The Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf was first introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, debuting alongside the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. The Platinum Maple Leaf has a distinct history, with its first two releases featuring the second-generation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Right now, 1988 1/10 oz Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coins are available from BullionMax.

Coin 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) backed by the federal government of Canada.
• The obverse features a bust of Queen Elizabeth II.
• On the reverse is the sugar maple leaf.

Each 1988 1/10 oz Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coin available here comes in a protective plastic flip. This coin marks the debut of the Platinum Maple Leaf Series, which originally included 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz options. These weights were issued annually until 1995, with additional mintages in 1999 and 2002. Since 2009, the series has been exclusively produced in a 1 oz format.

When the Platinum Maple Leaf was first released in 1988, the Royal Canadian Mint used Arnold Machin’s portrait of a 39-year-old Queen Elizabeth II. This design was initially created for British coinage in 1965 and went on to become a widely recognized effigy, appearing on postage stamps and commemorative coins. The portrait captures the Queen in a regal yet approachable pose, reflecting her role as a modern monarch.

The obverse of 1988 Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coins features Machin’s depiction of Queen Elizabeth II. Shown in right-profile relief, Her Majesty is seen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This portrait was the final British-designed effigy of Elizabeth II to appear on Canadian coins before the Royal Canadian Mint transitioned to Canadian-designed portraits in 1990.

On the reverse of the 1988 1/10 oz Platinum Maple Leaf, you’ll find the sugar maple leaf, a design originally created by Walter Ott in 1979. First introduced on the Gold Maple Leaf Series, this iconic Canadian symbol has since been featured on all silver, platinum, and palladium versions of the Maple Leaf.

If you have any questions about platinum coins, our BullionMax customer service team is happy to assist. You can reach us at 800-729-3202, via our online chat, or by email.