The Million Dollar Coin – a true milestone in minting
Incredible, but true: in 2007 the Royal Canadian Mint produced the world's first million
dollar coin. The 100 kg, 99999 pure gold bullion coin with a $1 million face value was
originally conceived as a unique showpiece to promote the Mint's new line of 99999 pure 1 oz
Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins. After several interested buyers came forward, the Mint decided
to make a very limited quantity available for sale. To date, five of these majestic gold
bullion coins, weighing 3,215 troy ounces each, have been purchased by investors from Canada
and abroad.
In October 2007, the Million Dollar Coin was certified by Guinness World Records to be the
world's largest gold coin. The coins are manufactured at the Mint's Ottawa facility, where the
Mint operates world-class gold and silver refineries, securely stores gold bullion and mints
all Royal Canadian Mint gold bullion products and collector coins.
The reverse features an elegant, hand-polished maple leaf design by Royal Canadian Mint
artist and senior engraver Stan Witten, and the obverse bears the effigy of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II by celebrated Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt.
Why did the Royal Canadian Mint make the world's purest and largest gold bullion coin?
Because we can.
Specifications
Face value: $1,000,000
Composition: 99999 fine gold
Weight (in troy oz.): 3215
Weight (kg): 100
Definition of 99999 purity
Gold (Au) which is 99.999% pure is defined as having a total of less than 10 parts per
million of the following elements: Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sn,
Si, Ti, Zn and Zr. This refers to the bulk material below the coin surface.
