The reverse features Walter Ott's iconic maple leaf design from the original Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin released in 1979. The realistic sugar maple leaf is incuse-struck into the surface of the coin. The reverse features the words "CANADA" and "FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR" as well as the purity standard of "9999". The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. Her Majesty's image is incuse-struck. The obverse features the date "2019" and the face value of "20 DOLLARS". The coin also bears commemorative edge lettering with the number "40" flanked on both sides by a maple leaf, and selective gold plating on the iconic maple leaf.

This coin commemorates the 40th year of the Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin's production.

This unique coin also features 40th anniversary edge lettering, and selective gold plating.