Bullion

1988 Canada 1/4 oz Platinum Maple Leaf BU

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In 1988, Canada introduced a new way to appreciate the beauty of precious metals with the launch of its platinum coin series. This quarter-ounce release represents the very first year of the program, struck in an exceptionally high purity of 0.9995 fine platinum. Authorized and backed by the Canadian government, this coin carries a face value of 10 Dollars, marking a significant milestone in the nation's modern minting history. The obverse side presents a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by her name and the face value of the coin. On the reverse, the design showcases a single, highly detailed maple leaf, Canada's premier national symbol. The reverse inscriptions record the essential specifications of the piece, detailing its weight of 1/4 ounce and its platinum purity in both English and French, reading "FINE PLATINUM 1/4 OZ PLATINE PUR" alongside the purity numbers. This specific coin is preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, capturing the sharp details of the original strike. When the series first debuted in 1988, it was made available in four distinct sizes ranging from one-tenth of an ounce to a full ounce. This multi-size format continued for over a decade until 2002, making these early fractional issues a fascinating subject of study for those interested in the evolution of Canadian coinage.