Panda gold coin from China

The most popular collector and bullion coin from China.

The Panda gold coin is minted in China (China Gold Coin Incorporation) and has been issued since 1982. Due to the panda bear motif, the "Gold Panda" or "China Panda" is considered one of the most beautiful gold coins and enjoys great popularity as a collector and bullion coin.

By the way, the panda coins are also available in silver, platinum and palladium.

China Panda (51)

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Panda gold coin motif

Panda gold coins have the following in common on the obverse: Chinese characters, the currency denomination (yuan) and the fineness of 99.9%. However, with the exception of the 2001/2002 vintage, each year of the coins has a different panda motif. In China, the panda bear has a special significance: its appearance is considered a good omen, which is why the giant panda is seen as a symbol of good luck.

The panda is shown individually or in multiples, and the poses are also different each time. This is rather exceptional case with gold coins, which is why the Panda gold coin is also very appreciated by collectors. On the reverse of the coins you can see the Temple of Heaven from Beijing or the "Hall of Harvest Prayer " with three-tiered marble terrace and roof structure (Chinese Qiniandiàn). It was built in 1420 by Emperor Yongle and served him for prayers for a good harvest.

Panda Coin - Features

In addition to the special feature in the motif change on the front, there are special features in the reverse motif of the panda gold coin. At first glance, the motif always seems the same, but a trained eye recognizes subtle differences here as well. The marble terrace is provided with a fence, which has a different number of columns depending on the vintage:

  • Vintage 1983-1986 has 6 columns on each side
  • Vintage 1987-1991 has 5 columns on each side
  • Vintage 1992-2001 has 4 columns on each side
  • Vintage from 2002 has 3 columns on each side.

Gold Panda - circulation and nominal value

The Chinese national currency is the yuan. The Panda gold coins were minted until 2005 with a nominal value of 500 yuan (1 oz) to 5 yuan (1/20 oz). oz stands for ounce - an ounce has a weight of 31.1 grams. After 2005, the nominal value was increased by a factor of four, so that one ounce currently has a nominal value of 2000 yuan (equivalent to about 295 euros). However, the increased nominal value only applies to the sizes between 5 oz and 1/10 oz, the 1 gram coin remains at a nominal value of 3 yuan. The 5 oz to 10 kilogram coin sizes mostly carry a face value of 10,000 yuan.

The first two vintages - 1982 and 1983 - appeared in a very small edition. Here, only 13,500 and 23,500 pieces were minted, respectively, which makes these vintages particularly coveted by collectors. The number of pieces was limited until 2010 with 101,000 pieces, then up to a maximum of 1,000,000 pieces per year were issued.

In addition, there are other specifics in the denomination of the Gold Panda. While coins of the same "league" (eg. Vienna Philharmonic, Maple Leaf and Krugerrand) exist in denominations ranging from 1 ounce to 1/25 ounce (equivalent to 1.24 grams), a difference is visible here: the smallest Panda gold coin weighs 1 gram, which is equivalent to 0.032 oz. The largest Panda gold coin weighs 10 kilograms and equals 321.4 oz. As of 2016, Panda Gold coins are denominated in grams, with the weight rounded down. Thus, the "ounce" weighs only 30 grams.

Gold Panda Fakes

Even for connoisseurs, it is not always easy to immediately recognize fakes. The following tips should help you to protect yourself when buying a Gold Panda:

  • The national currency must always be indicated. Pay attention here also to the date and if necessary to the increase of the nominal value.
  • The number of columns in the fence must be correct. If the indicated number of columns differs from the dependence on the year, it is guaranteed to be a fake.
  • The edge of the panda gold coin is fluted. Until the year 2001 the notches are straight and from 2002 the notches are slanted.

Pay attention to these points to distinguish originals from fakes as far as possible. Thus, nothing stands in your way when buying or selling.

Important: If you get the pleasure of a China Gold Panda coin, leave it in its original packaging. Gold coins that have already been opened lose a lot of their value.

You want to sell China Panda coins?

You would like to sell your Chinese gold coins? We will be happy to advise you in one of our branches in Vienna.