The 1976 Montréal Olympics coin program was one of the most ambitious numismatic fundraising schemes ever attempted by a host nation — 28 coins across seven series, intended to offset construction costs for Games that ultimately ran catastrophically over budget regardless. The skyline issue belongs to the first series, released in 1973, long before a single Olympic venue was complete.
The billon composition — barely 18% silver — drew immediate criticism from collectors accustomed to the higher-fineness coins common in commemorative programs of the period.
The 1976 Montréal Olympics coin program was one of the most ambitious numismatic fundraising schemes ever attempted by a host nation — 28 coins across seven series, intended to offset construction costs for Games that ultimately ran catastrophically over budget regardless. The skyline issue belongs to the first series, released in 1973, long before a single Olympic venue was complete.
The billon composition — barely 18% silver — drew immediate criticism from collectors accustomed to the higher-fineness coins common in commemorative programs of the period.