2023 Canada $500 35th Anniversary of the SML 5 kg Fine Silver (No Tax)

2023 Canada $500 35th Anniversary of the SML 5kg Fine Silver (No Tax)

Canada’s Silver Maple Leaf (SML) made a grand entrance in 1988, when it set a new industry standard as the world’s first 99.99% pure silver bullion coin. Now, 35 years later the SML continues to be one of the world’s most secure and sought-after silver bullion investment coins. Its namesake leaf is the undisputed star of this exclusive five-kilogram collector’s item, the largest of all the Royal Canadian Mint’s 2023 SML commemorative pieces. Its reverse elegantly celebrates the SML by surrounding it with ornate motifs representing the natural world, which provided the inspiration for Walter Ott’s iconic, and much-admired, design.

Designed by former RCM Master Engraver Walter Ott, the SML’s namesake leaf remains one of the most famous Canadian coin designs. Re-created on this larger coin, the SML’s intricately veined sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaf that is synonymous with supreme craftsmanship and a market-leading purity standard.

The coin’s reverse features Walter Ott’s now-iconic maple leaf design that has graced every Silver Maple Leaf (SML) bullion coin since 1988, set against a subtly textured field. In honour of the 35th anniversary of the SML, its intricately engraved leaf is surrounded by intertwined vines and maple leaves, and paired with a banner marking the anniversary. The decorative elements designed by artist Tony Bianco carry over to the obverse, where the maple leaves and lacy vines form an intricate wreath that helps frame the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Specifications:
RCM Number: 208385
Mintage: 150
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 5,000 g
Diameter: 180 mm
Face Value: $500
Finish: Matte Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Rev.: Walter Ott, Tony Bianco, Obv.: Susannah Blunt

Special Features:
• A 35th Anniversary Celebration! An extraordinary issue, this low-mintage commemorative coin celebrates the SML’s 35 years of successes and achievements as one of the world’s most sought-after silver bullion coins.
• A 5 kg canvas. Meticulously crafted in 5 kg of 99.99% pure silver, this coin’s 180 mm diameter makes it an impressively sized canvas that allows for a wealth of intricately engraved details on both the obverse and reverse.
• A Canadian classic. One of the most famous Canadian coin designs of all time, Walter Ott’s iconic maple leaf design is as intricate as ever on this coin’s reverse, which offers a much larger view of it than the annual 1 oz. SML.
• Features a matte proof finish. The satin shine of the subtly textured field creates a pleasing contrast and ensures all eyes are on the brilliant relief.
• High prestige, low mintage. This special anniversary celebration embodies all the qualities that set the SML apart – beauty, purity, craftsmanship – as well as scarcity: just 150 coins are available to collectors worldwide.

Packaging:
Housed in a clear round capsule, the coin comes in a premium Royal Canadian Mint-branded wooden case and is accompanied by a special serialized, multi-page booklet. For added protection, each case is packaged in a custom set-up box and delivered in a Canadian-made Nanuk™ protective shipping case.