Introduced in 1982, China Panda gold coins are minted by the People's Republic of China. The bullion coins from the Middle Kingdom have a fine weight of 999/1000. They are considered very popular among investors and collectors around the world.
Fineness & Alloy
With a fineness of 999/1000 the China Panda has a gold content of 99.9%. Most manufacturers of bullion coins that do not use the 22 karat standard (Krugerrands, American Eagle) have 24 karat gold content, which is a fineness of 999.9/1000 (four nine fine).
Weights Since 2016
The 2016 China Panda is minted in nine different sizes. In previous years there were a total of five sizes and the weights were measured in troy ounces. The sizes included 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz.
The new weights for 2016 are measured in metric grams instead of troy ounces. Panda Gold coins are issued in mint-state, uncirculated quality. Sizes above 30 g are produced in Proof quality.
FinenessFineweightDiameterNominal Value
999/1000 30 g 32 mm 500 Yuan
999/1000 15 g 27 mm 200 Yuan
999/1000 8 g 22 mm 100 Yuan
999/1000 3 g 18 mm 50 Yuan
999/1000 1 g 10 mm 10 Yuan
Coining Technology
Since 2005 the manufacturing process of "Reflection Minting" has been used to represent the panda with its black and white coloring. The surface is smoothly refined to a point that it acts like a mirror. With light reflecting at a certain angle, various parts of the coin shine lighter or look darker (golden and silver), therefore the black and white fur of the panda is simulated.
Appearance of the Coin
The obverse of the China Panda gold coin always remains unchanged, which depicts the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) in Beijing. Above the temple "PRC" is minted in Chinese characters. Only the year of issue varies below the motif.
On the back of the coin the motif of the Pandas can be seen. The Panda is a national symbol in China and its representation changes every year to make the coin interesting to both investors and collectors. Motifs show the Panda eating or playing. In more recent years, several pandas are often shown, thereby providing a more detailed coin design. The face value reads with the Chinese characters “Yuan”. Since 2015 the fine weight on the back of the Gold Pandas has no longer been provided with a weight in ounces but in metric grams.
Story
In China, the ownership of gold was prohibited in 1949. All gold had to be sold to the People's Bank (excluding gold jewellery). From 1st September 1982, the ownership of gold for individuals was permitted again. Inspired by increased demand for gold on the world market and the high gold deposits in China, the decision was made to mint a specific investment coin. The first year of mintage of the China Panda gold coin by the official "China Mint" was in 1982. It included four different weights in ounces: 1 oz, ½ oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz.
Introduction of New Weights
YearWeight
1982 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
1983 1/20 oz
1984 12 oz
1987 5 oz
1997 1 kilo
Nominal Value
WeightNominal Value
1 oz 100 / 500*
1/2 oz 50 / 200*
1/4 oz 25 / 100*
1/10 oz 10 / 50*
1/20 oz 5 / 20*
10 kilo 10,000
1 kilo 2,000 / 10,000*
12 oz 1,000
5 oz 500 / 2,000**
1 g 3
* Nominal values were increased in 2001
** Nominal values were increased in 2005
Benefits of China Panda
Crisis hedge
Tradeable Worldwide
High values storable in a small space
Easily bought and sold
Can be purchased in small amounts
Disadvantages of China Panda
Pure gold coins with a fineness of 999/1000 can be susceptible to surface scratches. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the coins in their protective packaging.
Special Editions
From every edition since 1983, there have been a few special editions without nominal value. These coins are not sold publicly, but used by the Chinese government as state gifts for important personalities. These special coins are for collectors and of great value.
