Chinese Panda Gold Bullion Coin
Fineness: .999 Actual Gold Content:
1.0 troy ounce (31.103 grams)
Face value: 100 yuan
Aalso minted in 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, 1/20
ounce sizes
With an annual design change always
featuring China's symbolic animal, the
Gold Chinese Panda has long been a favorite
of collectors and jewelry designers
the world over. The Republic of China's
.999 fine gold Panda series was one
of the most successful bullion coins
of the 1980's. Response in the U.S.
to these warm and fuzzy little panda
images was very positive, and the concept
of a premium-priced bullion coin was
established, as the gold Pandas became
popular collectibles. In the past few
years, the Panda has become more and
more popular with gold buyers in China
and around the world.
By changing the design every year, the
Chinese were able to build a steady
demand for these products regardless
of gold price fluctuations. Gold Pandas
also encouraged jewelry use, as the
one ounce coins were set in necklace
mountings, and the smaller sizes were
sold in pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Panda coin jewelry became quite an item
in the U.S., and the rest of the world.
Pandas are issued by China at a higher
percentage over the actual gold price
than standard bullion coins, and pioneered
the idea of a modern collectible/bullion
coin.
1982 was the first year the Panda was
issued, and by 1987 collector interest
was so high that specimens of the one
ounce 1982 Panda traded for over $3,000.
Other early year Pandas also sold for
big premiums in the after-market at
that time, and Panda mania was on. China
found itself sitting on a gold mine,
so to speak, and expanded their product
line to meet the growing demand. Very
few collectors were buying the yearly
new-issue Pandas. Today, when the Panda
issues from the 1980's come on the market,
they bring a fraction of their 1987
high prices. However, the dated coins
from the mid-1990's are hard to find,
as the mintage figures are now much
lower than during their heyday. Demand
from China itself is starting to expand,
and this may become a significant demand
factor in the future, both for current
and past issues. In the meantime, the
gold Panda series continues to roll
along. Special Proof Sets were issued
of the gold Pandas, presented in lacquered
boxes with silk linings, and marketed
for more than twice the gold value.
Enormous 5- and 12- troy ounce gold
Panda "hockey pucks" were issued in
limited numbers, and at huge premiums.
At coin conventions, where these limited
edition special issue Pandas were distributed,
buyers lined up outside around the block
just to get the chance to purchase them.
By 1987, China offered the regular Pandas
with two different mint marks, the boxed
Proof Set with a third mintmark, plus
a 5- and a 12- Ounce giant Panda.
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