For the 2003 release of the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, Canada’s official 1 oz silver coin saw its first change in design since the 1990 introduction of Dora de Pedery-Hunt’s third-generation effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Found on Canadian coinage in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II has had her portrait updated three times on Canadian coins.
The 2003 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin features a new design of the Queen created by Susanna Blunt. Blunt became just the second Canadian to ever design a monarch’s effigy for the coin with her creation. Her design is also a throwback to the designs of Elizabeth II’s father, George VI.
On the obverse of the 2003 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin is the image of Queen Elizabeth II in right-profile relief. This design continues with the engravings “Elizabeth II” and on circulation coins “D.G. Regina.” It was the first design since King George VI’s portrait to feature the monarch without a crown.
The reverse of all Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins bears the sugar maple leaf design. Created by Walter Ott, this image has appeared on Canadian Maple Leaf coins since the 1979 introduction of the Gold Maple Leaf.
Coin Highlights:
Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure silver in BU condition.
It bears a face value of $5 (CAD) and is backed by the federal government of Canada.
Obverse includes the new fourth-generation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Denomination: $5 CAD
Metal Content: 1 oz
Thickness: 3.29 mm
Diameter: 38 mm
