Eric Sepanek
SBC Founder
Eric Sepanek is the founder of Scottsdale Bullion & Coin, established in 2011. With extensive experience in the precious metals industry, he is dedicated to educating Americans on the wealth preservation power of gold and silver.
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| Gold Britannia | Gold Maple Leaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | .9167 (1987–2012) .9999 (2013–present) | .999 (1979–1982) .9999 (1982–present) |
| Sizes | 5 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz & 1/40 oz | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, 1/25 oz & 1 gram |
| Mint Years | 1987–present | 1979–present |
| Mintage | Millions of ounces | Millions of ounces |
| Versions | Bullion, Proof & Special Editions | Bullion, Proof & Special Editions |
| IRA Eligibility | Yes (2013 and later) | Yes |
The Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf are among the world’s most popular gold bullion coins. For American investors, they’re some of the most sought-after foreign coins. Still, many people wonder what sets these assets apart. Understanding the overlap and distinctions between Gold Britannias and Gold Maple Leafs can help you make the wisest investment decisions.
Historical Significance
Gold Britannia
Britain’s Royal Mint launched the Gold Britannia in 1987 to compete with South Africa’s Krugerrand and Canada’s Maple Leaf. Despite its relatively late release, the coin quickly became a favorite at home and internationally due to its quality, high precious metals content, and backing by the British government.
Gold Maple Leaf
Introduced in 1979, the Gold Maple Leaf set a new standard in the bullion market when it moved to an unprecedented 99.99% purity in 1982 – years before its British counterpart even debuted. The coin’s release coincided with a boycott of the then-dominant South African Krugerrand due to apartheid-related concerns. This timely launch allowed the Gold Maple Leaf to fill a critical gap in the market, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the bullion world.
Purity
Generally, bullion coins feature high precious metal content, owing to their popularity as physical assets. However, Gold Britannias and Gold Maple Leafs have slightly different purity ratings depending on their mint years.
Gold Britannia
Between 1987 and 2012, the Gold Britannia was minted in 22-karat (.9167 fine) gold. From 2013 onward, all versions boast 99.99% purity. The non-gold component of the early coins was copper until 1990, when it was switched to silver.
Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf was 99.9% pure gold from 1979 to 1982. Ever since, most versions have featured .9999 fineness. Notably, a select few Maple Leafs boast a .99999 fineness rating – one of the highest in the world. (New to these numbers? See our guide to gold purity, fineness, and karats.)
Sizes
One troy ounce is the standard size for these gold bullion coins. However, both are available in various fractional sizes. These smaller versions offer a range of entry points to accommodate different budgets. All Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf sizes from the same mint year share the same purity rating.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary sizes of each coin:
Gold Britannia
| Size | Face Value |
|---|---|
| 5 oz | £500 |
| 1 oz | £100 |
| 1/2 oz | £50 |
| 1/4 oz | £25 |
| 1/10 oz | £10 |
| 1/20 oz | £1 |
| 1/40 oz | 50p |
Gold Maple Leaf
| Size | Face Value |
|---|---|
| 1 oz | $50 CAD |
| 1/2 oz | $20 CAD |
| 1/4 oz | $10 CAD |
| 1/10 oz | $5 CAD |
| 1/20 oz | $1 CAD |
| 1/25 oz | $0.50 CAD |
| 1 gram | $0.50 CAD |
Keep in mind that the true worth of these coins extends far beyond their face value, given their precious metals content.
Design
As official government bullion coins, the Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf feature themes emblematic of their respective countries.
Gold Britannia
For decades, Gold Britannias depicted long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Since her passing in 2022, newer coins feature King Charles III. The reverse shows Britannia, the guardian of Britain, standing with a trident and a shield bearing the Union Flag.
Gold Maple Leaf
Because Canada is a Commonwealth realm, the Maple Leaf’s obverse shares the same monarchical portraits as its British cousin, moving from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III. The reverse, however, is adorned with a sugar maple leaf, Canada’s national symbol.
Security Features
Both mints have added advanced security features over the past decade to combat counterfeiting. The Royal Canadian Mint introduced a micro-engraved maple leaf security mark in 2013 and precision radial lines in 2014, later adding its Bullion DNA authentication technology. In 2021, the Royal Mint gave the Britannia a latent image that switches between a padlock and a trident, micro-text, and a wave-like surface animation. For more on spotting fakes, read how to tell gold-plated coins from solid gold.
Value
The value of a Gold Britannia or Gold Maple Leaf depends on current gold prices and the coin’s size. For example, a modern one-troy-ounce coin contains a full ounce of gold, so its value tracks the spot price of one ounce, plus a modest dealer premium. Both coins have face values as legal tender, but these denominations are worth far less than their precious metals content.
Mintage
As official bullion coins, Gold Britannias and Gold Maple Leafs exist in considerable quantities. Both have been minted every year since their introduction, and each has been produced in the millions of ounces. That abundance leads to high liquidity – quicker buying and selling – but limits the coins’ numismatic value.
Versions
Both the Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf come in uncirculated bullion, proof, and various special editions. Proof coins feature greater attention to detail, advanced craftsmanship, and a mirror-like finish. Generally, they command higher prices than standard bullion coins. Special edition Britannias and Maple Leafs tend to commemorate anniversaries, momentous events, or notable people.
IRA Eligibility
The Internal Revenue Service allows investors to include Gold Britannias and Gold Maple Leafs in a gold IRA. This specialized retirement account offers the dual advantage of physical precious metals and tax-advantaged perks. Britannias and Maple Leafs are IRA-eligible coins due to their high purity ratings, government backing, and quality.
Gold Britannia vs Gold Maple Leaf: Which is the Better Investment?
The Gold Britannia and Gold Maple Leaf embody the popularity, value, and quality of official government bullion coins. Both enjoy high purity ratings, a wide range of sizes, simple spot-based valuations, and IRA eligibility. These across-the-board advantages can make it more challenging to determine which coin is the ideal investment. If you’re still weighing your options, see how the Britannia stacks up in our Gold Buffalo vs Gold Britannia comparison, or how the Maple Leaf fares in American Eagle Gold Coin vs Gold Maple Leaf.
In reality, the “best” coin depends on your unique investment situation, including your budget, timeline, and goals. Working with a knowledgeable precious metals advisor can help you decide whether a Gold Britannia, Gold Maple Leaf, or both put you closer to your investment objectives. The experienced advisors at Scottsdale Bullion & Coin would be eager to help. Contact us today by calling toll-free at 1-888-812-9892 or using our live chat function.