China Panda 2004 1oz Gold Original Foil Control Sheet

This is the 2004 China Panda gold coin weighing 1oz.

The details:

Series: China Panda
Year: 2004
Fine weight: 1oz
Country: China
Face value: 500 Yu
Fineness: 999.9
Diameter: 32mm
Special feature: Sealed in the original foil of the Mint

About the history of panda coins:

The official mint of the People’s Republic of China first issued Panda gold coins in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz sizes of 999.0 fine gold in 1982. The 1/20 ounce coin was added later, in 1983. Several mints across China produce the panda coins, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Shenzhen. However, the panda coins do not bear any mint stamps by which one could recognize their origin. Still, it is sometimes possible to tell which mint a new coin was struck at if the coin remains in its plastic packaging. If you look closely at the edge of the seal, the name of the producing mint is engraved in the plastic. The obverse of the coin always shows the giant panda, a herbivore that lives in the south-central highlands of China. However, the design on this side of the coin is changed every year to show the panda species in a different light with each new issue of the series. Only the 2001 and 2002 coins used the same motif.

The reverse side always shows a panda, occasionally several pandas or panda cubs. This variety of designs has helped these coins gain a loyal following, and makes the Chinese Panda coin extremely popular with coin collectors worldwide. The obverse of each panda gold coin depicts the “Temple of Heaven” – a complex of religious buildings built in the early 15th century during the reign of the Yongle Emperor. The temple was used for annual prayer ceremonies to heaven for a bountiful harvest. The design of the temple had a great influence on architecture in the Far East for centuries.

While the dragon has long been considered China’s official national symbol, people internationally often think of the giant panda when they think of China. As a symbol of friendship, peace and happiness for the Chinese people, it is clear why the panda was chosen for the country’s gold and silver coins, which today enjoy great popularity and are traded all over the world.