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. 

Fineness     Fineweight         Diameter     Nominal 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 

Year     Weight

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

Weight Nominal 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.

Details China Panda

Country of origin: China

First Year of Mintage: 1982

Fineness: 999/1000

Alloy: Gold, no alloying components

Scratch resistance: Poor