Founded in 1908 as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint and independent since 1931, the Royal Canadian Mint built its reputation on purity and refining technology. In 1982 it set a new global standard with the Gold Maple Leaf at .9999 fine — "four nines" — a benchmark much of the industry has since chased.
Backed by Canada’s status as a major gold producer, the RCM has pushed the boundaries of what a coin can be: a 100 kg, $1 million face-value gold coin; ultra-high-relief collector issues; and pioneering security features. Following a rise in counterfeiting, its 2013–14 upgrades added radial machined lines and a micro-engraved laser mark to the Maple Leaf.