Silver Superleaf Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for Silver Canadian Superleaf Coins from the Royal Canadian Mint.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .9999 fine silver (99.99% pure) |
| Silver Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | 31.1035 grams (1.0000 troy oz) |
| Diameter | 38.00 mm |
| Thickness | 3.29 mm |
| Face Value | $5 CAD (Canadian Dollars) |
| Mint | Royal Canadian Mint |
| Edge | Reeded |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
The .9999 Purity Advantage
At .9999 fineness, the Silver Canadian Superleaf contains 99.99% pure silver, making it one of the purest silver bullion coins available.
- •Maximum silver content: Virtually all of the coin's weight is pure silver with minimal trace elements
- •Exceeds IRS requirements: Surpasses the .999 minimum fineness for Precious Metals IRAs
- •Industry benchmark: Sets the standard for purity among government-minted silver coins
- •Simple valuation: Silver content equals coin weight, making spot price calculations straightforward
Learn more about silver purity at Monex Investing in Silver
Security Features
The Royal Canadian Mint has pioneered security technology in bullion coins. Current Silver Superleaf coins include:
Radial Lines
Precise lines machined into the background create a unique light-diffracting pattern (since 2014).
Micro-Engraved Privy Mark
A tiny maple leaf containing the year, visible only under magnification.
Bullion DNA
Digital verification system allows authorized dealers to authenticate coins.
Mintshield
Anti-tarnish surface treatment reduces milk spots (since 2018).
Legal Tender Status
The Silver Canadian Superleaf carries legal tender status in Canada with a $5 CAD face value. This government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint with strict quality controls and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and .9999 purity backed by the Canadian government.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status is one requirement for Precious Metals IRA inclusion.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
Silver Canadian Superleaf Coins qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓Exceeds IRS purity requirement (.9999 vs .999 minimum)
- ✓Produced by an approved national mint (Royal Canadian Mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Silver Canadian Superleaf Coins trade at a premium above the spot price of silver. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
Royal Canadian Mint production, security features, and quality control expenses.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical silver.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
Government backing, .9999 purity, and global recognition support competitive spreads.
View current silver pricing at Monex Silver Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the Silver Canadian Superleaf?
The Silver Canadian Superleaf is struck from .9999 fine silver, meaning it contains 99.99% pure silver. This is the highest purity standard for silver bullion coins, surpassing the .999 purity of most other government-minted coins including the American Silver Eagle.
How much silver is in a Silver Canadian Superleaf?
Each Silver Canadian Superleaf contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure silver. Because of its .9999 purity, the gross weight equals the silver content with negligible alloy.
Is the Silver Canadian Superleaf legal tender?
Yes, the Silver Canadian Superleaf carries legal tender status in Canada with a face value of $5 CAD. This face value is symbolic, as the silver content is worth significantly more. The government backing provides authenticity assurance and supports global recognition.
Can I hold Silver Canadian Superleaf Coins in an IRA?
Yes, Silver Canadian Superleaf Coins meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA. The .9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum fineness requirement of .999. You will need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
What security features does the Silver Superleaf have?
Since 2014, the Silver Superleaf includes radial lines, a micro-engraved maple leaf privy mark with the year, and the Bullion DNA digital verification system. Since 2018, Mintshield anti-tarnish technology helps prevent milk spots.
How does the Silver Superleaf compare to the American Silver Eagle?
The Silver Superleaf offers higher purity (.9999 vs .999), advanced security features, and typically competitive premiums. The American Silver Eagle has broader recognition in the U.S. market and higher trading volumes. Both are IRA-eligible.
What affects Silver Superleaf premiums?
Key premium drivers include: Royal Canadian Mint production capacity, dealer inventory levels, overall demand for physical silver, the coin's global recognition, and broader precious metals market conditions. Premiums typically range from 2-5% over spot.
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