Motif of the panda gold coin

The panda gold coins have the following features in common on the obverse: Chinese characters, the currency denomination (yuan) and a 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 seen as a good omen, which is why the giant panda is seen as a symbol of good luck.

The panda is shown individually or in groups, and the poses are also different each time. This is the exception rather than the rule with gold coins, which is why the panda gold coin is also highly prized by collectors. The reverse of the coins shows the Temple of Heaven in Beijing or the "Hall of Harvest Prayer" with a three-tiered marble terrace and roof construction (Chinese: Qiniandiàn). It was built in 1420 by Emperor Yongle and was used for prayers for a good harvest.

Panda coin - Special features

In addition to the special feature in the change of motif on the obverse, there are special features in the reverse motif of the panda gold coin. At first glance, the motif always appears to be the same, but a trained eye will recognize subtle differences. The marble terrace has a fence with a different number of pillars depending on the year:

• Year 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
• Year 2002 onwards has 3 columns on each side.

Gold Panda - circulation and face value

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

The first two vintages - 1982 and 1983 - were issued in very small numbers. Only 13,500 and 23,500 pieces were minted respectively, making these vintages particularly sought-after by collectors. The number of pieces was limited to 101,000 until 2010, after which up to a maximum of 1,000,000 pieces were issued each year.

In addition, there are further specifics in the denomination of the Gold Panda. While coins of the same "league" (e.g. Vienna PhilharmonicMaple Leaf and Krugerrand) exist in denominations from 1 ounce to 1/25 ounce (equivalent to 1.24 grams), there is a visible difference 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 ounces. From 2016, panda gold coins will be denominated in grams, with the weight rounded down. This means that the "ounce" now only weighs 30 grams.

Gold Panda counterfeits

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

• The national currency must always be indicated. Also pay attention to the date and, if applicable, the increase in the nominal value.
• The number of pillars in the fence must be correct. If the specified number of pillars differs from the dependence on the year, it is guaranteed to be a forgery.
• The edge of the panda gold coin is fluted. Until 2001 the notches are straight and from 2002 the notches are slanted.

Pay attention to these points in order to distinguish originals from counterfeits as far as possible. This means that nothing stands in your way when buying or selling.

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