The 1947 Maple Leaf (ML) Dollar is one of the most recognizable and historically significant coins in Canadian numismatics. While often overshadowed by the famous 1947 Dot Dollar, the Maple Leaf variety is itself a key collectible, representing an important transition in Canada's coinage following a major event in world history.
For collectors of Canadian silver dollars, the 1947 ML is an essential addition to any complete George VI collection.
Why Was the Maple Leaf Added?
In 1947, India gained independence from the British Empire. As a result, King George VI could no longer use the title "Emperor of India", which appeared on Canadian coins as the Latin inscription "ET IND: IMP:".
The Royal Canadian Mint needed time to prepare new dies for the 1948 coinage that removed this obsolete title. To avoid interrupting production, the Mint continued striking 1947-dated silver dollars during the early months of 1948.
To distinguish these coins from those struck in 1947, a small maple leaf was added immediately after the date, creating the now-famous 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar.
A True Transitional Issue
Unlike the much rarer Dot Dollar, the Maple Leaf Dollar was produced in larger numbers, with approximately 21,135 circulation pieces struck. Although considerably more available than the Dot variety, it remains far scarcer than most regular Canadian silver dollars from the George VI series.
Because of its historical significance and relatively low mintage, the 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar continues to enjoy strong demand among collectors.
Design Specifications
The coin features the classic Canadian silver dollar design:
- Obverse: Portrait of King George VI designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
- Reverse: Emanuel Hahn's famous Voyageur design featuring a canoe with a voyageur and an Indigenous guide.
- Composition: 80% silver, 20% copper.
- Weight: 23.33 grams.
- Diameter: 36 mm.
The defining feature is the small maple leaf positioned immediately after the 1947 date, making it easy to distinguish from standard 1947 dollars.
A Popular Collector Coin
Collectors appreciate the 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar for several reasons:
- It marks an important political transition in the British Commonwealth.
- It represents an official Royal Canadian Mint transitional issue.
- It has a substantially lower mintage than most George VI dollars.
- It remains affordable compared to the legendary 1947 Dot Dollar while offering similar historical appeal.
- Certified Mint State examples become increasingly difficult to locate in premium grades.
Top-quality specimens have realized impressive auction prices, with an exceptional PCGS MS-67 example selling for CAD $51,000, demonstrating the desirability of the finest surviving examples.
Final Thoughts
The 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar perfectly combines history, rarity, and iconic Canadian design. Although it is often discussed alongside the elusive Dot Dollar, it deserves recognition as one of Canada's most important transitional coin issues in its own right.
Whether you're building a George VI set or simply appreciate coins with fascinating historical backgrounds, the 1947 Maple Leaf Dollar remains one of the highlights of Canadian numismatics and a coin every serious collector should know.