The Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf was introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, launching alongside the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. This platinum coin has a distinctive history, with its first two years of production featuring the second-generation effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Right now, 1988 Canadian Maple Leaf 1/10 oz Platinum Coins are available from Provident Metals.

Highlights:

• Arrives in an individual plastic flip!
• 1st year of issue for the Platinum Maple Leaf!
• 39-year-old effigy of Elizabeth II!
• Contains 1/10 Troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• Bears a face value of $5 (CAD), fully backed by the Canadian government.
• The obverse showcases a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
• The reverse features the sugar maple leaf.

Each 1988 Canadian Maple Leaf 1/10 oz Platinum Coin in this listing comes in a protective plastic flip. This 1988 release marked the beginning of the Platinum Maple Leaf Series, which initially included four coin weights: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. These sizes were struck annually through 1995, with additional issues in 1999 and 2002. Since 2009, the Platinum Maple Leaf has been issued only in a 1 oz weight.

Obverse

The obverse of 1988 Canadian Maple Leaf Platinum Coins features Machins portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This right-profile depiction of the Queen includes the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This was the final British-designed effigy of Elizabeth II to appear on Canadian coins, as the Royal Canadian Mint introduced a Canadian-created portrait in 1990. The inscriptions include ELIZABETH II, 5 DOLLARS, and 1988.

Reverse

On the reverse of the 1988 Maple Leaf 1/10 oz Platinum Coin, you will find the sugar maple leaf, a design created by Walter Ott in 1979. This maple leaf first appeared on the Gold Maple Leaf Series and has since become a defining element of the Maple Leaf series across silver, platinum, and palladium coins. Inscriptions here include CANADA, 9995, FINE PLATINUM, and 1/10 OZ PLATINE PUR.

History

The Royal Canadian Mint used Arnold Machins effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the 1988 Platinum Maple Leaf, capturing the Queen at age 39. Machin originally designed this portrait for British coinage in 1965, and it became a widely recognized image across Commonwealth nations. This effigy presents the Queen in a refined yet approachable profile, reflecting her presence as a modern leader.

Ordering

For any questions about platinum coins, Provident Metals customer service is here to help. You can contact us at 1-800-313-3315, via our online chat, or by email.