1976 Montreal Olympics
Starting in February 1973, the RCM engaged in a very ambitious program. At the behest of the Federal Government, led by then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, it was agreed that these coins would help finance while commemorate the 1976 Summer Olympics. An Official Act – The Olympic (1976) Act – authorized the issue of the legal tender coins.
The plan was to have thirty coins: twenty-eight sterling (.925) silver coins with face values of $5 and $10, containing .723 Troy ounce and 1.44 Troy ounce of silver each respectively, and two gold coins. This would signify the first time that the RCM issued coins with face values of $5 and $10. These coins would be categorized into seven series with each series configured into four coin sets (two five dollar coins and two ten dollar coins). The seven series were constituted as follows:
- Geographic
- Olympic Motifs
- Early Canadian Sports
- Olympic Track and Field Sports
- Olympic Summer Sports
- Olympic Team and Body Contact Sports
- Olympic Souvenirs
Read more about this topic: Summer Olympic Coins