China Panda

Panda history

China first issued its gold coins in 1982 in 1/10-, 1/4-, 1/2- and 1 troy ounce sizes. In 1983 the mint added a 1/20 ounce and in later years 5 troy ounce and 10 troy ounce coins. In 1991, 5-kilogram gold panda coin was issued to mark the 10th anniversary of issuance of Chinese Panda Coin. It was the first of its size in the history of modern minting and very rare with only 10 pieces produced.

Since 1982 new issues have been produced annually. As the name implies, the coin features a very adorable Panda on the obverse side of the coin. Famous for their complex design, charm and spectacular beauty, Gold Panda coins are regarded by many as being among the most aesthetically pleasing coins produced anywhere in the world. Each issue features a panda but the design of the panda has varied over the years, making these coins ideal for collectors. However the 2002 Panda is identical to the 2001 as the Chinese Government imposed a freeze on the design. This was lifted in 2003 due, in part, to the requests of collectors. Over the years panda has been portrayed as lively and charming animal. Every year panda is in a different setting – some eating bamboo, some climbing trees, some playing by oneself, or playing in couples.

The Panda Family

The China Gold Panda coins are minted from 24K .999 Fine Gold and are issued in five different sizes: 1 Troy Oz, 1/2 Troy Oz, 1/4 Troy Oz, 1/10 Troy Oz and 1/20 Troy Oz, with legal tender denominations ranging from 20 to 500 Yuan. The highly polished mirror finish with raised frosted elements of the designs gives a proof-like look to the Panda coins.

The mintage of these coins, compared to American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leaf, Krugerrands and other well-known gold coins, is very small so these coins tend to price a lot higher. For example in 1982 there was less than 16,000 1 troy ounce coins produced, in 1983 only 22447 and in 1984 only 23330. The most 1 troy ounce coins minted by the Chinese Mint in any one year was 150,000 but that is mostly only in recent years.

Reflection minting technique

In order to portray giant panda's black and white colours, Chinese coin designers and minting specialist made great efforts in the innovation of panda coin's design. Casting two colours in one metal became very difficult. Through repeated studies, experts found that the plane of gold and silver pieces reflect different light which form different colours. Given a treatment that makes the plane as smooth as a mirror, one angle of the plane reflects strong lights, which becomes golden colour; another angle reflects drawn lights, which becomes a darker colour.

Later, experts invented a technique that makes a more vivid depiction of giant panda's black and white colours with a greater stereoscopic effect by sandblasting the shady side of relief.

Panda Design

The image on the obverse side of the coin is the famous Temple of Heaven in Beijing, an ancient architectural masterpiece and a major tourist attraction in China. Chinese characters at the top of the outer circle identify THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, and the date of the coin's issuance is at the bottom.

The reverse designs of Chinese gold pandas are changed each year as mentioned above. The coins commemorate the rare Giant Panda, the national animal of China and the international symbol for the protection of endangered species.

From 2001 Panda coins were minted with oblique-toothed edge to improve the anti-fake ability of the coin.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MAXIMUM PRODUCTION LIMITS