The Royal Canadian Mint has a long and storied history, maintaining its position as one of the world’s most prestigious mints.

For the first fifty years (beginning in 1858) Canadian coinage was produced at the Royal Mint in London. As Canada grew into its own nationhood, the need for more coinage became paramount. In 1901, a branch of the Royal Mint was built in Ottawa.

During the Great Depression, Canada negotiated its independence from the Royal Mint and, in 1931, became the Royal Canadian Mint.

Perhaps the most iconic of Royal Canadian Mint coins are the Maple Leafs. The Mint began producing these coins in 1988 and continues today, with new coins being minted annually. The reverse features the Canadian Maple Leaf and the obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.