For the 2023 edition, the Royal Canadian Mint has combined two stand-out features-black rhodium plating from 2020, and the 1.5 mm super incuse depth that set a new standard in 2021-to give our Silver Maple Leaf (SML) design a more modern edge. This special edition of the SML is a study in contrasts: it mixes standard raised relief with a super-incused strike, and a reverse proof finish (frosted field, brilliant relief) with the sleek satin look of black rhodium plating. The result is a fresh take on a familiar design-it’s contemporary, it’s captivating, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression. The SML’s iconic maple leaf is the same one that appears on the Gold Maple Leaf (GML) coin – in fact, that’s where it made its debut. The leaf on this coin is that of the sugar maple, Acer saccharum. True to its name, the sugar maple’s sap has the highest concentration of sugar, and that’s why this Canadian maple is prized by maple syrup producers. The coin’s reverse features Walter Ott’s iconic sugar maple leaf design, unchanged since the first Silver Maple Leaf (SML) bullion coin issued in 1998. Struck incuse, the distinctive sugar maple leaf is plated with black rhodium and reaches a depth of 1.5 millimetres. The coin’s reverse proof finish emphasizes the brilliant relief, including the engraved words “CANADA”, “FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR” and the purity standard of “9999″ on the reverse. Black rhodium plating also fills the field on the obverse, which features 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. The coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box. THIS ITEM IS GST / HST EXEMPT. Citadel Coins Halifax, Nova Scotia Official Royal Canadian Mint Distributor.