Biggest Gold Coin in the World

At 220 pounds the largest, purest and highest denomination gold coin in the world, with a face value of one million dollars but a probable value of almost 3 million dollars, is 99.999% pure gold and was unveiled by the RCM (Royal Canadian Mint) on May 3rd 2007.

The big coin is 20 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick, weighs 220-pound and takes about six weeks to manufacture.

The Royal Canadian Mint also proudly introduced a new 99999 pure one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin. These coins, representing the highest achievement in gold purity in the bullion market, were unveiled at the RCM’s Ottawa facility, where the coins were made.

According to the RCM, The 100-kg, 99999 pure gold bullion coin with a $1 million face value was originally conceived as a unique showpiece to promote the RCM’s new line of 99999 pure one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins. After several interested buyers came forward, the RCM decided to make a very limited quantity available for sale.

The 99999 pure one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin joins the existing family of Gold Maple Leaf products which are internationally renowned for their purity and quality. It is being released for general sale to the public after a successful trial production of a 99999 pure gold bullion coin and positive marketplace reaction. Although this coin presents a new standard in investment products, there are currently no plans to replace the 9999 pure Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins.

"The Royal Canadian Mint has long been recognized as one of the most innovative in the world, with a tradition of technical perfection and superior craftsmanship,” said the Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint. “These new 99.999% pure Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins now take Canada's reputation in the gold bullion industry to an unprecedented level.”

“The Royal Canadian Mint operates in a very competitive environment, which is especially true of the international gold bullion market,” said Ian E. Bennett, RCM President and CEO. “Our 100-kg and one ounce 99999 pure gold bullion coins are an achievement which separates the RCM from a large field of competitors. By producing the best quality products in the world, the RCM is enhancing its global reputation for excellence.”

The Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin was first launched in September 1979, as a one ounce investment coin, the first coin to be struck of pure gold. The Gold Maple Leaf coin was 999 pure until 1982, when its purity was raised to 9999, setting a new benchmark for gold bullion coins. The RCM has maintained its tradition of leadership in the gold bullion industry by raising the bar once more, to 99999.

Gold Maple Leaf coins are distributed through an extensive network of bullion dealers and offer investors a simple and easy way to add precious metals to their investment portfolios. Interested buyers seeking additional information about these new investment products are invited to visit the RCM web site at www.mint.ca or to call 1-866-677-1477.

The reverse of both these coins features an elegant maple leaf designed by RCM 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.

The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Royal Canadian Mint, its products and services, visit the Royal Canadian Mint.