Chinese Minted Gold Panda Coins for Avid Collectors

In 1982 the first Gold Panda bullion coins were issued by the People’s Republic of China. Appreciation of Gold Panda Coins has since increased within and outside the boundaries of the country. The coins were initially minted in fine gold in various sizes such as 1/10, ¼, ½, and 1 oz. A 1/20 oz was produced in 1983 and afterwards larger bullion coins in 5 oz. and 12 oz.

Ancient and contemporary Chinese coinage

Gold Chinese coins are one of the most popular collectibles in Asia. An understanding of the history of the different types of coinage from ancient China is a popular pre-occupation among a tight-knit and very competitive global community of coin collectors. The coins from ancient China are especially sought after, with hundreds of legends and calligraphic markings. An estimated total of 2,500 years of ancient Chinese civilization cast coins using moulds with the most popular raw materials being gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The favorite designs used by dynasty artisans were the profiles of artists, political figures, and detail from famous Chinese paintings of the time.

Gold Panda Coins are recent additions to the magnificent selection of commemorative coins that are available to both novice and avid collectors. The giant panda is an amazing animal that is unique to China. The likeness of these gentle creatures is used in Chinese culture as totems of peace and humility. Historically, the panda is a representation of democracy and panda ornamentation was typically presented to other territories as a gift or token. The Chinese also use the panda to symbolize yin and yang, or the energy balance between the masculine and feminine. Aside from this, the panda is a representation of higher knowledge and exotic culture.

The giant panda immortalized

Gold Panda Coins feature a different design every year except during 2002 which was identical to the previous year’s panda gold coins. This was a consequence of a policy change that was eventually overturned in 2003. Industrial facilities that manufacture coins are in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenyang. The basic design on the reverse is a panda portrait that varies each year. On the obverse, the Temple of Heaven and Chinese characters that state “People’s Republic of China” and the year of issue are found.

A complete index of panda coins now include the gold Panda Proof Sets that were issued from 1986-1995. The current price list of a wide array of minted collectibles is now easily accessible on the Internet. Coins made from other precious metal as well as lunar coins that feature the Zodiac symbols are also available from the same reliable suppliers of Gold Panda Coins.

Purchasing Gold Panda coins is an investment that could double or triple in the future, despite the volatility of auction prices and the fluctuations in the price of gold. Serious panda collectors must consider the Silver Panda series as well. These feature the same designs as the gold series. Both the gold and silver coins that are being offered today are distributed by the China Gold Coin Corporation in China. More information can be found at: http://www.coinex.com/ .

The Rarer Panda Coins: Platinum and Palladium Pandas

Perhaps the most widely known series of collectable precious metal coins produced by the People's Bank of China is the Panda series, which continues to attract the avid attention of the international numismatic community.  The first of this series was issued in 1982 and, although in the first year the issues were only made of gold, have since been produced every year in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, bi-metallic, platinum, and palladium.  Three brass Pandas were issued, but discontinued after 1984.

While the gold and silver Pandas have been produced every year (with the exception of 1982, as previously mentioned), the palladium and platinum Pandas were issued with much smaller mintages, especially the palladium ones, and only in certain years. 

Only three palladium coins were produced as part of the Panda series.  These were the 1 oz coin in 1989, and two 1/2 oz coins of 2004 and 2005.  They are all relatively scarce with mintages of 3,000; 3,000; and 8,000 respectively.  Despite this, a collector will find it much easier and cheaper to acquire a complete set of palladium Pandas than a complete set of platinum ones, mainly due to the fact that there are only three coins required to complete the palladium set.

The platinum coins were issued in thirteen years, between 1987 and 1990; between 1993 and 1997; and between 2002 and 2005.  The mintages of the earlier platinum Pandas were relatively low - all typically below 10,000 - however those issued in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 have much higher mintages of 20,000; 50,000; 50,000; and 300,000 respectively.

Other popular choices of sets to acquire among collectors are the four 1 oz platinum coins issued between 1987 and 1990; or one of each of the 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz platinum coins ever produced.  The latter may prove particularly challenging for collectors, as the six 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz pieces issued between 1993 and 1997 are seldom seen for sale and are extremely rare and valuable.

The platinum and palladium Panda coins are highly sought after by collectors today, possibly because of the worldwide fascination with the endangered creatures featured on their reverse faces, or because of the innate desire to own a tangible piece of the rare metals from which they are made.  It is most likely to be a combination of these two reasons.  Whether as an investor or a collector, the platinum and palladium Panda coins are an attractive purchase.  With the exception of the rarest pieces, the majority tend to be valued around their bullion price and so are suitable for investors.  Collectors and enthusiasts may also choose to pursue the more elusive ones.

The Rising Popularity of Unicorn Coins

Among the many series of modern Chinese coins issued by the People's Bank of China since 1979, the popularity and renown of the Unicorn series is second perhaps only to the internationally famous Panda series.  Unicorn coins are immensely popular, especially with collectors, and come in a variety of metals: gold, silver, platinum, and bi-metallic (gold and silver).  They were issued over a period of four years between 1994 and 1997 and tend to have very low mintages - some even as low as 18 pieces.  Aside from the 1994 1 kg gold Unicorn and the two bi-metallic Unicorns, every piece in the series features both a traditional Chinese unicorn - or Qilin - and a traditional western-style unicorn.  In this way this attractive series appeals to the cultural sensibilities of both western and Chinese collectors.  Both these mythical, magical creatures hold a special place in both cultures.  The western unicorn is a sign of purity and grace, and is often associated with virginity; while the Qilin is a sign of good luck and a bringer of prosperity and fortune, and a Qilin sighting is often associated with the coming or passing of a great ruler or sage.  The Qilin is depicted as a cloven-hoofed beast with the head of a dragon and the antlers of a deer, covered in the scales of a fish.  The western unicorn is more like a horse with a single spiralled horn emerging from its forehead.

Despite the beauty of these creatures, giving this series great aesthetic value, demand was very low at the time of issue.  Although it was initially planned that the series would run on an annual basis, like the Pandas, it was discontinued in 1997 because of this woefully low demand.  The series was doomed from the start.  In 1994, the People's Bank of China decided to raise its price on all of its collectable coins and the actual number of coins issued was often much lower than originally planned.  The series was popular, but collectors simply couldn't afford the prices, and the resulting low sales figures convinced the Bank that it was not an economically viable series, so it was stopped in 1997.  However, in recent years the Unicorn series has enjoyed a surge in popularity.

Collectors often choose to acquire sets based on dates or denominations, but enthusiasts seldom chose to try to collect all the coins of the series - a costly and extremely challenging pursuit.  Despite the limited years of production, there are many avenues and options for collectors to explore.

Among the Unicorn series, of particular note are the 5 oz gold Unicorns issued between 1994 and 1996.  They have very low planned mintages of 99, 99, and 108 respectively, but it is widely held that the actual mintages are much lower.  What makes them even rarer is that many people melted them down for their gold value, failing to recognise their numismatic value.  Other noteworthy coins include the 1996 1 oz and 1/4 oz platinum pieces; all the 20 oz silver pieces; and the 1997 1 oz platinum piece, all of which have planned mintages of 500 pieces each.

The coins were originally issued in a variety of sets, the rarest and most sought after is the so-called colossal sets.  These contained all the coins issued in that given year with the exception of the 1kg gold Unicorn.  Only 15 of these complete sets were issued each year, distributed in a purpose built set box.  They are so scarce that they are rarely seen.  Other smaller sets were also distributed, including two, three, four, and five-coin box sets.  Today these sets are in high demand and are becoming less and less common.

Collecting Chinese Coins: Basic Information on Commemorative Modern Chinese Coins

While circulated modern Chinese coins may be the focus of some numismatists, it is the commemorative, precious metal, modern Chinese coins that are issued annually by the People's Bank of China which attract the most attention from collectors and investors.  The People's Bank of China issued its first set of commemorative coins in 1979 celebrating the Year of the Child, a concept which was proposed by the government of the Philippines via the United Nations to promote international child welfare.

When these precious metal coins were first issued there were strict regulations in place in China on how much of a particular precious metal citizens could own.  As a result, the coins were sold almost exclusively abroad in collaboration with foreign distributors.  Now that these regulations have been loosened somewhat, many coins have gradually made their way back to China and into the collections of Chinese investors and hobbyists.

Since then, coins have been produced every year in all shapes, sizes and denominations in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, some brass coins, and some bi-metallic pieces.  Shapes vary from round, to rectangular, to plum blossom-shaped (to name but a few).  Coins also are produced with varying quality, including proof, brilliant uncirculated, and piedfort - or double weight and thickness.  Purity or fineness also varies, as well as the number produced - known as mintage.

The focus of these commemorative series also varies widely.  Some are issued on an annual basis and continue to be extremely popular, such as the internationally famous panda series, and the lunar series, which features a different animal of the Chinese zodiac depending on the year.  Other series ran for only a short period of time such as the inventions and discoveries series - which lasted five years - and the unicorn series - which lasted four, while other series are issued on a one-off basis commemorating concepts like the Year of Peace in 1986, or the 100th anniversary of the Chinese film industry in 2005.

While there are some very rare pieces out there which on their own are extremely valuable, some are quite common and affordable.  Their potential value is not to be underestimated though as these coins often fulfil their value when they complete a collectable set or series.

As you can see, the vast array of modern Chinese commemorative coins that are available for acquisition gives great scope for collectors, and makes this rewarding and fun pastime suitable for anyone, regardless of how much money or time you have at your disposal to invest in it.

Chinese Lunar Coins: Commemorating China's Rich History

China's history is intricate and far-reaching. The cultural legacy they have shared has served as a valuable source of philosophical and spiritual teachings. Among the significant themes that characterize the history of China, is the method of tracking time and dates based on Jupiter's orbit. Twelve animals were assigned to represent the time. The values of each animal had a great impact on the cultural beliefs of the Chinese people that in 1981, the People's bank of China initiated the production of dedicatory zodiac coins or Chinese lunar coins.

Each zodiac animal represents a coin in the collectible set of these silver lunar coins over a period of twelve years. A specific set is characterized by something common such as the shape, metal and weight. There are twenty-four sets of Chinese lunar coins identified to date. The coins are shaped differently. Aside from the regular coin shape, some of these coins are shaped like a fan or scallop. Such shapes made the coin distinctive and attractive to collectors.

Coin Series 1988-1999

The first ever platinum Chinese lunar coins were made in 1988. It was in this year also when Shanghai Mint started minting separate sets of lunar coins. Four designs were featured on this year alone.

The coins were minted at 1oz silver with 32mm diameter compared to the standard diameter of 40mm. These coins were considered as silver piedfort.

Coin Series: 1997-2008 and 2009-2020

These Chinese lunar coins were made of 1oz silver.

The Scallop Series

The First Scallop Series (1993-2004) were made of two batches: those made with two-thirds oz silver and another batch made of one-half gold. The second series if this design (2005-2016) have two batches also. The gold batch was minted with the same amount of gold while the silver batch contained 1 oz silver.

The Fan Series

The first Fan Series (2000-2011) had two groups also. The silver batch contained 1 oz silver while the gold coins are one-half oz gold.

Collecting these silver lunar coins is one of the most investment-friendly hobby one could have. Aside from having a chance to participate and enjoy the rich culture of the Chinese people, the collector is sure that his money will be safe. The value of these collectible coins increases as time passes by.

A Brief History of Coin Collecting and Motivations to Get Started

People have hoarded coins for their bullion value - that is, the market value of the precious metals from which they are made - ever since production began.  The earliest known hoard was discovered by the British Museum during their excavation of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in modern day Turkey in 1904-5.  The horde was thought to have been buried there some time around 600 BC and comprised pieces produced from a naturally occurring gold and silver mixture known as electrum.

Collecting and appreciation of currency for its artistic or aesthetic value, or for its historical or cultural significance, was a later development that grew out of these initial hoardings.  The practice of collection and appreciation of coins as we know it today began around the 14th Century as a fad and was the reserve of the wealthy upper class of the Renaissance period, and therefore was known as the “hobby of kings”.  Over the subsequent centuries, with the study of coins - numismatics - rapidly expanding, collecting and appreciation also grew in popularity. 

Today it is no longer a hobby for just the rich and wealthy.  It is a highly accessible pursuit and can be taken as seriously or as casually as each collector desires, according to their financial resources and their interest in the hobby.  Most people today collect as a hobby, rather than acquiring them specifically for making a profit - although it is a pleasing aspect of the pastime that the value of the pieces collected often rises over time.  While this is not the primary reason for getting involved, it brings pleasure to collectors to know that despite the fact that they may have no intention at all of selling their collection, its bullion value is nonetheless trending upwards in the long run.

Collectors amass coins today based on characteristics such as rarity, quality, artistic value, bullion value, historical and cultural significance etc., or a more commonly a combination of myriad factors.  Today, getting involved in this fascinating and absorbing pastime has never been so easy.  This is largely due to the wide variety of pieces, series, and sets now available for collecting.  Those with only a little to spend may decide to acquire a particular range of contemporary currency where the only cost is the face value.

However, with the advent of the issuance of coinage by various national mints which, while still legal tender, are produced specifically for collecting, and it is more common to see people acquiring these coins.  This is because the condition of the pieces is higher than those in general circulation, making them more suitable for collecting.  Their market value often far exceeds their face value (or denomination).  This is often due to their bullion value, since they are frequently made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum; and their rarity, as such mints choose to produce only a limited number.  This number is referred to as mintage.  Some less valuable pieces are minted in less valuable metals, like brass, and have both a low denomination and bullion value, as well as having relatively high mintages.  They often form a part of a complete commemorative set or series, and therefore have a higher value than their denomination or their bullion value, especially when a complete series or set is valued for sale.

While collecting and appreciation as a hobby is the most popular aspect of numismatics today, some people see coin acquisition as an investment or acquire pieces, sets, and series with the express intention of making a profit.  Given that precious metals - like gold - are bullish in the long run, some investors buy pieces based on their speculative bullion value with the added bonus that their rarity, quality, and artistic value may further increase the value of their investment.


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