1976 Proof Silver Canadian Montreal Olympic Games 4 Coin Sterling Set Series II #C172
Most numismatists agree that the first true numismatic collection was the Olympic Five and Ten Dollar coins for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Starting in February 1973, the Royal Canadian Mint (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 and commemorate the 1976 Summer Olympics.
The plan was to have thirty coins, twenty-eight silver coins with face values of $5 and $10, 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).[1] The seven series were constituted as follows:
The $10 denomination coins have a gross weight of 48.600 grams while the $5 denomination coins have a gross weight of 24.300 grams. Each coin is 92.5% silver for a net silver weight of 44.955 grams (1.4453 troy ounces) and 22.478 grams (0.7227 troy ounces) of silver respectively.[2]
A key highlight of these coins were the standardized designs and the unique finishes. All 28 coins were styled in a similar fashion. The top aspect of the coin had the Olympic logo, its denomination, and the wording in the same spot.[3] The finishes consisted of two different styles that had never been used on Canadian coinage. The first finish was a satin or frosted effect which adorned the coin. The second finish was a proof finish, which consisted of frosted lettering and a design set off against a brilliant mirror field. The RCM had to obtain special equipment to achieve the desired finish.[1]
A very limited number of the $5 and $10 coins were initially sold by the bank in styrofoam packing and the coins were NOT encapsulated. The coins could be purchased loose, and individually
Series 2
| Year | Coin Number | Face Value | Theme | Artist | Mintage | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Coin No. 5 | Ten Dollars | Head of Zeus | Anthony Mann | 1,990,570 | ||
| 1974 | Coin No. 6 | Five Dollars | Athlete with Torch | Anthony Mann | 1,974,939 | ||
| 1974 | Coin No. 7 | Ten Dollars | Temple of Zeus | Anthony Mann | Included in mintage of No. 5 | ||
| 1974 | Coin No. 8 | Five Dollars | Olympic Rings and Wreath | Anthony Mann | Included in mintage of No. 6 |