This striking 2015 pure gold fractional set pays unique tribute to the silver maple tree, one of the maple varieties native to Canada. A first for the Royal Canadian Mint, each one ounce coin features edge lettering with a serialized number.

This set features 99.99% pure gold coins in one ounce and fractional denominations: a troy one ounce 50-dollar coin with a diameter of 30mm, a quarter-ounce 10-dollar coin with a diameter of 20mm, a 1/10th of an ounce 5-dollar coin with a diameter of 16mm, and finally a 1/20th of an ounce 1-dollar coin with a diameter of 14mm. Mintage is limited to 600 sets.  As a pure gold coin set, this item is GST/HST-exempt.

The Design:

Each coin features a different image of a leaf as it drifts gracefully through the air. They have been polished to a fine reverse-proof finish, which has given a beautiful natural shine to each leaf, as it appears to curve and float.

The Silver Maple:
The silver maple, scientifically known as Acer saccharinum, is a species of maple tree native to eastern North America. Though it requires a more sunlight than other maple trees, it is highly adaptable. Because it is very tolerant of urban spaces, it is often planted next to streets; however, because of its rapid growth, it produces a brittle wood than is easily damaged in storms. It is known as the "silver" maple, because a light breeze blowing will make the leaves move and produce a glimmering effect as the downy silver underside of the leaves are exposed. The trunks of these trees tend to produce cavities, which can shelter all sorts of animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, owls and woodpeckers. First Nations cultures would use the sap of these trees to make medicine and sugar, and also in bread.