Commemorative Coins: Helsinki 1952 Summer Olympics

The world's first commemorative coin with an Olympic theme was issued in Helsinki, Finland, to celebrate the 15th Olympic Summer Games Helsinki in 1952.

The Finnish Mint decided to release a 500 Markkaa coin with the simple design of the Olympic rings on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.

The first Winter Olympic coin was issued in Austria in 1964.

The Government of Austria authorized the Austrian Mint to strike a commemorative 50 Schilling silver coin for the 9th Olympic Winter Games Innsbruck. ...