When it comes to impressive feats of craftsmanship and sheer grandeur, few coins can rival the world’s largest and most valuable coins. One of the most awe-inspiring is the 2007 Canadian $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf, a monumental gold coin that stands as a true marvel.
However, is it truly the largest? Let’s explore the world of colossal coins and find out whether this remarkable piece holds the title of the world’s largest coin.
The 2007 Canadian $1 Million Gold Maple Leaf
In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint stunned the world by creating a coin with a face value of $1 million CAD. Known as the Big Maple Leaf, this 100-kilogram coin is made from 99.999% pure gold and boasts a diameter of 50 cm (20 inches) and a thickness of 3 cm. It was originally minted to showcase the mint’s precision in producing high-purity gold coins and its technological capabilities. Only five of these coins were ever created, making it not only massive but also exceedingly rare.
The Big Maple Leaf is more than just a display piece; it has set records. At the time of its minting, it held the Guinness World Record for the largest gold coin. Each of these coins, valued far beyond their $1 million face value due to the sheer weight of gold, is worth approximately $4 million based on current gold prices.
The Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo
In 2012, Australia’s Perth Mint set a new record by minting the One-Ton Gold Kangaroo, which dethroned the Big Maple Leaf as the world’s largest coin. This mammoth piece weighs 1,012 kilograms (2,231 pounds), making it the heaviest coin ever produced. With a diameter of 80 cm (31.5 inches) and a thickness of 13 cm (5.1 inches), the Kangaroo is significantly larger and more massive than its Canadian counterpart.
While its face value is only $1 million AUD, the real worth of the One-Ton Gold Kangaroo comes from its gold content, which is estimated at around $52 million. The coin features an iconic design of a red kangaroo, one of Australia’s national symbols, and has become a popular tourist attraction at the Perth Mint, where it is permanently displayed.
Comparison Between the Two Coins
| Coin Name | Year Minted | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Estimated Gold Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian $1 Million Maple Leaf | 2007 | $1 million CAD | 100 kg | 50 cm | 3 cm | ~$4 million |
| Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo | 2012 | $1 million AUD | 1,012 kg | 80 cm | 13 cm | ~$52 million |
The Purpose Behind Minting
Both coins were created for similar reasons: to demonstrate the expertise and capabilities of their respective mints. The Big Maple Leaf was intended to promote Canada’s Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins, which are renowned for their high purity and popularity among investors. Similarly, the One-Ton Gold Kangaroo aimed to elevate the profile of Australia’s gold bullion coins, specifically the kangaroo series.
Are These Coins Legal Tender?
Surprisingly, both coins are legal tender in their countries, meaning they can technically be used to make purchases. However, given the difficulty in handling and the sheer value of the gold they contain, it is highly unlikely anyone would ever attempt to use them for everyday transactions. In the case of the One-Ton Gold Kangaroo, trying to use a coin with a market value exceeding $50 million for a purchase would certainly be impractical.
Other Large and Valuable Coins
While the Canadian Big Maple Leaf and the Australian One-Ton Kangaroo are among the most impressive, they are not the only massive coins ever minted. Several countries, including Mexico, have produced large-format gold and silver coins to showcase their minting prowess. However, none come close to the size and value of these two giants.
Conclusion
In the battle of the world’s largest coins, the 2012 Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo undeniably takes the crown as the largest and most valuable coin. Weighing over a ton and valued at more than $52 million, this coin is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Perth Mint. However, the Canadian Big Maple Leaf remains a stunning achievement in its own right, standing as a symbol of the Royal Canadian Mint’s precision in producing ultra-pure gold coins.
For collectors and coin enthusiasts alike, these coins represent the pinnacle of numismatic achievement and serve as iconic pieces in the world of coin collecting. Whether or not you ever get to see one of these coins in person, their sheer size and value will continue to captivate imaginations for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the largest coin in the world?
The largest coin in the world is the 2012 Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo, weighing 1,012 kg and with a value of over $52 million.
2. What is the value of the Canadian Big Maple Leaf?
The Canadian Big Maple Leaf has a face value of $1 million CAD, but its gold content makes it worth approximately $4 million.
3. How many Big Maple Leaf coins were made?
Only five Big Maple Leaf coins were produced, making them extremely rare.
4. Can you use the Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo in transactions?
While it is legal tender, the coin’s size and value make it impractical for everyday transactions.
5. Where can you see these large coins?
The Canadian Big Maple Leaf is displayed in various locations, but the Australian One-Ton Gold Kangaroo is on permanent display at the Perth Mint.
References
- GovMint
- CoinWeek
- Wikipedia
