Composition : 99.99% silver
Mintage : 50,000

Maple Leaf

3rd coin fo the annual series Maple Leaf Forever.

In a land dominated by vast woodlands, it is no surprise that the elemental forest dweller, the tree, would come to be considereda national treasure and symbol of a people. The maple tree, in particular - genus Acer - has played a key role in Canada's development as a nation. From the earliest First Nations peoples to the European explorers, the settlers and, ultimately, those whomanage today's forestry and tourism industries, Canadians have always found the maple to be a beautiful and important resource.

The glorious Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - russet harbinger of autumn and source of the world's finest maple syrup - has similarly been favoured for its sap as well as its strong, hard wood. Entire Canadian tourism industries thrive on its glorious transformation in autumn. Visitors come from around the world to witness the maple-dominated forests' celebrated makeover; later, in early spring, theSugar Maple stuns once again with its sweet springtime bounty.

In total, 10 maple species are present in Canada. For approximately 200 years, the maple leaf symbol has been associated specifically with Canada and Canadians. In 1965, the maple leaf became the centrepiece of Canada's most important national emblem - the Canadian flag. On April 25, 1996, the Deputy Registrar of Canada proclaimed the Acer genus the country's official arboreal emblem, citingthe maple leaf's historical role as a symbol of national identity, the important part the genus has played in the country's historical and commercial development, Acer's aesthetic importance to Canadians, and its role as an important, environmentally sustainableeconomic resource.
 

MAPLE LEAF FOREVER - MAPLE LEAF - 2013 CANADIAN COINS 03 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 12- MAPLE LEAVES and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.