2009 Royal Canadian Mint Silver Maple Leaf 1 oz Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908. A Crown corporation of Canada known for high-purity bullion and world-class minting standards.
Pattern: Silver Maple Leaf Series, introduced in 1988; currently in production as a flagship bullion series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908. A Crown corporation of Canada known for high-purity bullion and world-class minting standards.
Material
.9999 (Four Nines) Fine Silver; weight is 31.1 grams or 1 Troy Ounce.
Dimensions
38 mm in diameter, 3.29 mm thickness; standard weight of 31.103 grams (1 troy oz).
Description
The Silver Maple Leaf is one of the world's most recognized bullion coins. This 2009 specimen features the refined Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Made of .9999 pure silver, it offers a higher purity than standard sterling or US Silver Eagles. The coin is presented in a protective acrylic capsule, ensuring its specimen-like quality and protecting its intrinsic and numismatic value.
Key Features
.9999 purity (unique among major government bullion of that era); Susanna Blunt portrait; 'SB' designer initials on the Queen's shoulder.
Material & Composition
.9999 (Four Nines) Fine Silver; weight is 31.1 grams or 1 Troy Ounce.
Finish & Decoration
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish with radial light-refracting properties; Obverse features the Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II; clean mirror-like field surfaces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Struck with 'ELIZABETH II', '5 DOLLARS', and '2009' on the obverse; reverse (not seen but implied) includes 'CANADA', '9999', 'FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on highly polished planchets; die-struck with high-pressure minting presses for sharp detail; reeded edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender value of $5 CAD; reeded edges to prevent clipping; fits standard 38mm airtight capsules.
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; designed to be held by the edges to prevent skin oil transfer to the silver fields.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-etched dies; superior edge reeding; high relief on the Queen's hair texture compared to earlier Machin or Maklouf effigies.
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the 'SB' initials; clarity of the denticles around the rim; specific font alignment of '5 DOLLARS'.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa or Winnipeg, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (Late 20th – Early 21st Century); 2009 issue.
Age Estimate
Precisely 2009 based on the obverse date stamp.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Canadian sovereignty and economic stability; recognized worldwide as an investment-grade commodity.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Choice BU condition. Minimal surface bag marks or contact marks. Displayed in a protective capsule which has prevented tarnish and oxidation. No visible milk spots in the current view.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $45.00 USD, fluctuating with the COMEX silver spot price plus a dealer premium (currently 15-30% for older back-dates).
Care & Maintenance
Keep in the plastic capsule; avoid handling with bare hands (use cotton or nitrile gloves); store in a cool, dry place with silica packets; do not polish as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
American Silver Eagle (99.9% pure), Austrian Silver Philharmonic, Australian Silver Kookaburra, British Silver Britannia.
Interesting Facts
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf was the first bullion coin to achieve .9999 purity. In 2009, during the global financial crisis, demand for these coins spiked as investors sought silver as a safe-haven asset.