Maple Leaf of Hope
 

First of all I want to give thanks to TomD for leading me to this Canadian coin. While browsing his photostream I happened upon this beautiful Maple Leaf coin of a type I'd never seen before. It�s called the Maple Leaf of Hope and is part of a special limited mintage themed series of Maples. This coin was minted in 2005 and gets its name from the special meaning the Maple tree has had for generations of Canadian immigrants, including those that believe that hope can be found in the shade of the Maple tree.

To my eye, this Maple's simplicity belies its beauty. With a three leaf cluster on a branch, it shimmers in multiple shades of gray, with contrasting veins showing in its leaves, a mirror bright background providing contrast. Chinese characters are the only raised feature in the center field, signifying the year 2005 and "Maple of Hope". An outer band in matte proof is broken by the lettering for Canada, the purity and "fine silver 1oz" in English and French.

While there are other unique designs in this series of coins, this is the only one that uses the laser engraving process to produce a design that is not a hologram. Its design can be appreciated from any angle, unlike the hologram coins that require the coin to be tilted this way and that in the light. I am delighted to have one in my collection and it has quickly become one of my favorite coins.

Being desirable for rarity as well as design, there was a mintage limit of 25,000 coins, with a total of only 19,888 produced. Despite this low number, my example was found on ebay for less than $40.00. I was surprised to receive it unopened in its original packaging.

I have asked TomD to post his photo of this coin in the thread and he has graciously agreed. So as soon as he has the time, please look for it here.

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

I like maples, so I'm sure I'll like this one. I saw a gold maple with three branches on the front that was absolutely beautiful. Maybe it was the same design you are talking about.

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

A fantastic coin, agreed.

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

Sorry to be late but we were out last night.

I stumbled on these at a coin show and thought so much of them that I bought 5, I still have 3. Two shots below, one in the very nice case the coin comes in. This is a coin that I've tried repeatedly to shoot in a way as to have the image as nice as the original. I haven't made it, this coin is prettier than I can show.

Edit: just noticed the COA on the case lid reflecting from coin on the bottom shot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/...1fcaa674_b.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...7/DSC06823.jpg

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

And TomD saves the day again. Beautiful coin and pic. Wonder whats up with the chinese characters though. HH Mark

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

Wow.
4 9's silver too.
The RCM is cool.
Best mint there is IMO.

Even they come out with some stinkers:
http://www.mint.ca/store/coin/30-ste...008-prod180038

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

You haven't been to Hongcouver lately?

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

Tom,

Thanks again. Wonderful photos of an difficult coin to capture.

ME CO,

I believe they are recognizing the contributions to Canada from it's Chinese immigrants, and the inspiration they receive from the maple tree.

Re: Maple Leaf of Hope
 

I thought this was going to be a Maple leaf with an Obama sticker, lol.