1/10 oz Maple Leaf 2026 — pioneer of .9999 fineness and the first true Western answer to the Krugerrand
The 1/10 oz Maple Leaf 2026 is the latest vintage of a series that, in 1979, revolutionised the European and American precious metals market. The coin contains 3.110 g of fine gold at 999.9/1000 fineness (1/10 troy oz), has a diameter of 16 mm and a face value of 5 CAD (Canadian Dollars) — full legal tender status in Canada. Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg with the latest Bullion DNA technology — laser micro-security features introduced in 2013.
The 1/10 oz Maple Leaf 2026 price is linked to the current gold price at the LBMA, with a market premium typically 7-10% over spot. Among 1/10 oz bullion coins, Maple Leaf has the highest security technologies (Bullion DNA, laser micro-engraving, mirror-textured background) — justifying premium above 1/10 oz Vienna Philharmonic (premium 7-10% identical) and significantly below 1/10 oz American Eagle (8-12%).
Why 1/10 oz Maple Leaf 2026?
- 3.110 g of 999.9 fineness gold — the world's first .9999 bullion coin (since 1982)
- Royal Canadian Mint — founded 1908, state mint of Canada, LBMA accreditation
- Bullion DNA technology — laser micro-security features (since 2013)
- Face value 5 CAD — full legal tender status in Canada
- Diameter 16 mm — smallest in classic Maple Leaf line (1/20 oz even smaller)
GoldInvest24 expert recommends — expert commentary
The Royal Canadian Mint, based in Ottawa (actual production in Winnipeg), was founded in 1908 as the state mint of the Dominion of Canada. Maple Leaf was put into production in 1979 — 12 years after the Krugerrand debut and 7 years after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. It was the first deliberate response of the Western market to the bullion gap: during UN sanctions against South Africa (1981-1990), the Krugerrand was blocked in most Western countries, and Maple Leaf took that position as the first real alternative.
In 1982, the Royal Canadian Mint made a historic decision — raising the Maple Leaf fineness from 999 to 999.9. It was the first bullion coin in history with such high fineness. Canadian gold refining technology (dominated by Falconbridge Limited and integrated electrolytic processes) enabled cost-efficient mass production of 24-karat gold. Canada's decision forced competitors to follow the standard — American Eagle (1986, fineness 916.7), Vienna Philharmonic (1989, 999.9), Britannia (1987, 916.7 → 2013 raised to 999.9) had to adjust their strategy.
Maple Leaf's latest innovation is Bullion DNA — the laser micro-security technology introduced in 2013. Each coin has marks invisible to the naked eye, precisely laser-cut at micro-scale, linked to an LBMA dealer database. Scanning the coin with a dedicated reader allows immediate authenticity verification with 99.99% accuracy. This makes Maple Leaf the most difficult bullion coin in the world to counterfeit — which matters significantly for secondary market resale and large portfolio positions.
The maple leaf — Canadian precious metals tradition since 1979
The maple leaf motif on the Maple Leaf reverse was designed by Walter Ott in 1979 — a classic sugar maple leaf (acer saccharum), Canada's national tree (officially since 1996). The motif is unchanged since the series debut — unlike the annually changing Britannia reverse or new Tudor Beasts motifs. The 47-year design constancy facilitates authenticity identification and builds universal recognition independent of vintage.
The coin's obverse features the portrait of the reigning monarch — since 2024 (vintage 2024 and newer) it is the portrait of King Charles III by Steve Rosenuk. Earlier vintages (up to 2023) carried the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (five different versions, including the most recognised Susanna Blunt portrait from 2003). Vintages 2024-2025 with the Charles III portrait already carry a collector premium of 5-10% over metal value as "first Charles III Maple Leaf" — the 2026 vintage no longer has such a premium.
Maple Leaf was the world's best-selling bullion coin in 2010-2012 (World Gold Council data) — surpassing even Krugerrand and American Eagle in that period. Annual sales then exceeded 1.5 million ounces. In subsequent years the position has slightly declined (Krugerrand returned after sanctions were lifted, American Eagle supported by US Mint expansion), but Maple Leaf remains at the top — typically in the top three. The 1/10 oz format accounts for 20-25% of series sales by gold mass.
What to look out for before buying?
- Authenticity — weight 3.110 g (±0.003), diameter exactly 16 mm, thickness 1.13 mm
- Bullion DNA — latest vintages have laser marks visible at an angle under LED lighting
- Packaging condition — Royal Canadian Mint protective capsule or blister, no scratches
- 2026 vintage — current year, no collector premium; for premium consider 2024-2025 vintages (first Charles III)
- Storage — safe class S2 (EN 14450 standard), original capsule, dry location
Why buy at GoldInvest24?
- 1/10 oz price updated according to LBMA gold price
- All Maple Leaf sizes (1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, 1 oz) in Gold Coins category
- Full authenticity documentation — invoice, original Royal Canadian Mint capsule
- Shipments over EUR 7,000 are insured, courier delivery 1-3 business days
Technical specification
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product type |
Bullion coin |
| Manufacturer |
Royal Canadian Mint |
| Location |
Winnipeg, Canada (head office Ottawa) |
| Precious metal |
Gold Au |
| Fineness |
999.9/1000 (.9999, since 1982) |
| Weight |
3.110 g (1/10 troy oz) |
| Diameter |
16 mm |
| Thickness |
1.13 mm |
| Form |
Minted coin |
| Face value |
5 CAD (legal tender in Canada) |
| Vintage |
2026 |
| First minted in series |
1979 (world's first 24-karat bullion) |
| Reverse designer |
Walter Ott (sugar maple leaf) |
| Obverse |
King Charles III (Steve Rosenuk, since 2024) |
| Bullion DNA |
Yes (laser micro-security features since 2013) |
| Packaging |
Royal Canadian Mint protective capsule |
| Accreditation |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| VAT |
Exempt under Council Directive 98/80/EC |
Comparison table — 1/10 oz gold bullion coins
| Coin |
Fineness |
Distinguishing feature |
| Maple Leaf 1/10 oz |
999.9 |
Bullion DNA, highest security, .9999 pioneer since 1982 |
| Vienna Philharmonic 1/10 oz |
999.9 |
10 EUR face value, most popular in EU |
| Krugerrand 1/10 oz |
916.7 |
Oldest (since 1980 for 1/10 oz), Crown Gold |
| American Eagle 1/10 oz |
916.7 |
Liberty motif, higher US premium (8-12%) |
| Britannia 1/10 oz |
999.9 |
CGT-free in UK, annually changing reverse |
FAQ — frequently asked questions
What is Bullion DNA and how to verify it?
Bullion DNA is a laser micro-security technology developed by the Royal Canadian Mint, introduced in 2013. Each coin has microlaser marks invisible to the naked eye in a specific geometry — typically cut on the reverse within the maple leaf. Scanning the coin with a dedicated RCM dealer reader allows immediate authenticity verification against a database.
Why is Maple Leaf 1/10 oz more expensive than 1/10 oz Vienna Philharmonic?
Marginally. The 1/10 oz Maple Leaf market premium is typically 7-10% over spot, similar to 1/10 oz Vienna Philharmonic (7-10%). Maple Leaf has Bullion DNA technology and .9999 pioneer status, sometimes translating to 0.5-1% higher wholesale premium. Competition is so close that the difference is practically negligible.
Are 2024-2025 vintages with the Charles III portrait worth more?
Yes — they already carry a collector premium of 5-10% over metal value as "first Charles III Maple Leaf". After the portrait change from Queen Elizabeth II (who died in September 2022), the Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Charles III portrait only in 2024. The transitional vintages (2024-2025) are especially prized by collectors. The 2026 vintage no longer carries such a premium.
Maple Leaf 1/10 oz vs Vienna Philharmonic 1/10 oz — which to choose?
Economically comparable. On security — Maple Leaf wins (Bullion DNA technology). On face value — Vienna Philharmonic has euro (10 EUR), Maple Leaf 5 CAD. On EU recognition — Vienna Philharmonic is more popular. In North America Maple Leaf dominates. Choice: regional resale market.
Is Maple Leaf 1/10 oz VAT-exempt?
Yes. The 999.9 fineness significantly exceeds the required minimum 995/1000 for bullion coins. VAT exemption applies under Council Directive 98/80/EC.
Where can I check the current gold price?
The current spot price is available at GoldInvest24 — sections Gold price and Precious metals prices.
Choose the 1/10 oz Maple Leaf 2026 at GoldInvest24 — coin with Royal Canadian Mint's Bullion DNA technology. Check the current gold price and compare with the Gold Coins category and Precious metals prices.