History of the Royal Canadian Mint
Canada's coins were first struck at the Royal Mint in London, with some circulating coins made by the private Heaton Mint in Birmingham. As Canada grew more independent, plans for a mint of its own in Ottawa took shape.
The mint opened officially on 2 January 1908 as the Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint, and the first coin struck there was a 50-cent piece. In 1931 the branch passed into Canadian hands as the Royal Canadian Mint, reporting to the Department of Finance. In 1969 it became a Crown corporation. Its head office is still in Ottawa, and a second facility opened in Winnipeg in 1976.
The Royal Canadian Mint today
The Ottawa facility focuses on collector and bullion coins, while Winnipeg strikes circulating coins for Canada and for other countries. Since late 2023 new Canadian coins carry the effigy of King Charles III, and earlier issues show Queen Elizabeth II. The Gold Maple Leaf, struck since 1979 in 99.99% pure gold, is one of the best-known bullion coins in the world, and Canadian buyers can compare its price in CAD on our site.
Recent ranges include, for example:
Gold is also available in commemorative coins with Canadian wildlife and history themes. There are coins honouring well-known Canadians and decorative pieces set with gemstones.
