Introduction:
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf stands as a testament to the Royal Canadian Mint’s exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit. This extraordinary coin, known for its remarkable size, purity, and value, has captivated the attention of numismatists and investors around the world.
Historical Background
In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) set out to create a coin that would demonstrate its capabilities in precision and quality. The result was the $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, a coin that not only broke records but also showcased Canada’s leadership in the precious metals market.
Design and Specifications
The $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf is notable for its impressive specifications:
- Weight: 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds)
- Diameter: 50 centimeters (19.7 inches)
- Thickness: 3 centimeters (1.2 inches)
- Purity: 99.999% pure gold
The coin’s design is a larger-than-life version of the classic Gold Maple Leaf design. The obverse features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “2007,” and the face value of “1 MILLION DOLLARS.” The reverse showcases the iconic maple leaf design, a symbol of Canada, along with the inscriptions “CANADA,” “FINE GOLD 100 KG OR PUR,” and the coin’s purity “99999.”
Rarity and Production
Only six specimens of the $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf were produced, making it an extremely rare and valuable coin. The limited mintage and the sheer amount of gold used in each coin contribute to its high value and desirability among collectors and investors.
Notable Sales and Valuation
The $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf has fetched impressive prices at auctions, often exceeding its face value by a significant margin due to its gold content and rarity. In June 2010, one of these coins was sold by Dorotheum auction house in Vienna for €3.27 million (approximately $4 million USD at the time).
Security Features
In line with modern numismatic standards, the $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf includes advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting. These features include micro-engraved radial lines and a laser-engraved maple leaf privy mark, ensuring the authenticity of each coin.
Significance and Legacy
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is more than just a coin; it is a symbol of the Royal Canadian Mint’s innovation and excellence in coin production. Its creation marked a significant achievement in the field of numismatics and demonstrated the RCM’s ability to produce coins of unparalleled size and purity.
Conclusion:
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a modern numismatic marvel, combining exceptional craftsmanship, rarity, and intrinsic value. It represents a pinnacle of coin production and continues to be a highly sought-after piece among collectors and investors. Whether admired for its size, purity, or historical significance, this coin remains a shining example of the artistry and precision of the Royal Canadian Mint.
FAQ: 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
1. What is the 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a record-breaking coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. It is notable for its enormous size, high purity, and significant face value of $1 million CAD.
2. How much does the 2007 Gold Maple Leaf weigh?
The coin weighs 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds), making it one of the heaviest gold coins ever produced.
3. What are the dimensions of the coin?
The coin has a diameter of 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) and a thickness of 3 centimeters (1.2 inches).
4. What is the purity of the gold used in the coin?
The coin is made of 99.999% pure gold, which is one of the highest purities available for gold coins.
5. What is depicted on the obverse and reverse sides of the coin?
The obverse features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “2007,” and “1 MILLION DOLLARS.” The reverse showcases the iconic maple leaf design, a symbol of Canada, along with the inscriptions “CANADA,” “FINE GOLD 100 KG OR PUR,” and the coin’s purity “99999.”