One of 28 silver issues released across four series between 1973 and 1976 to fund the Montréal Games, this $10 denomination was part of the largest Olympic coin program undertaken to a that point. The Canadian government authorized the program specifically because construction costs for the Games had spiraled catastrophically — Montréal's mayor Jean Drapeau had famously declared the Olympics "could no more have a deficit than a man could have a baby," a quote that aged poorly as costs ballooned to nearly $1.5 billion CAD.
The $5 and $10 silver pairings were sold in sets, with each series tied to a theme. Series sales were strong early but tapered as collector fatigue set in by the fourth release.
One of 28 silver issues released across four series between 1973 and 1976 to fund the Montréal Games, this $10 denomination was part of the largest Olympic coin program undertaken to a that point. The Canadian government authorized the program specifically because construction costs for the Games had spiraled catastrophically — Montréal's mayor Jean Drapeau had famously declared the Olympics "could no more have a deficit than a man could have a baby," a quote that aged poorly as costs ballooned to nearly $1.5 billion CAD.
The $5 and $10 silver pairings were sold in sets, with each series tied to a theme. Series sales were strong early but tapered as collector fatigue set in by the fourth release.