China’s Panda and Lunar series – this is how valuable the Chinese coins are

Gold from China

China Mint

Gold coins from China originate from the China Mint, and the most famous series are the Gold Panda and the Lunar series. Operated by the People’s Bank of China, the China Mint (or Chinese Mint) has become one of the most sought-after sources of gold and silver coins worldwide. With twenty-two branches located throughout the country and a technical center, it produces coins issued by the People’s Republic of China. The mint has been in operation for more than half a century and boasts a rich and ancient numismatic history. The beautifully designed Gold Panda and Lunar series are among the most valuable coins. What is particularly fascinating is that, despite the minute differences between the coin designs, the Chinese Mint often omits mint marks on its issues, making Chinese gold coins all the more intriguing.

China pandas

The China Mint is best known for its famous bullion coins, the Gold and Silver Pandas. The Gold Panda series was first issued in 1982 as both bullion and proof coins. These coins have been minted every year since then. The silver pandas in proof design followed in 1983. The first half-ounce bullion coins were issued in 1986, and the one-ounce bullion coin series began two years later.

Each new issue is eagerly awaited by collectors around the world, as the motifs change every year. Only once in the series was a motif repeated on the reverse side. Each new issue offers a unique look at the large and lovable creature closely associated with one of the world’s oldest civilizations. The front always shows one of the most famous landmarks of the China, the prayer hall for rich harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

Available sizes

From 1982 to 2015, the Chinese gold panda followed the troy ounce weight system (1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, and 1/20). However, in 2016, the Chinese mint decided to switch the series to metric units, with Chinese gold coins ranging in weight from 30 grams, 15 grams, 8 grams, 3 grams down to 1 gram.

Gold Panda Coin Designs

The obverse of Goldpanda coins always features a depiction of the Temple of Heaven, while the reverse features annually changing designs of the famous Chinese bear.

Gold panda collector coins

Due to the historical significance and contribution that the Chinese Gold Panda has made to gold coins worldwide, the mint quality Gold Pandas are among the most sought after gold coins from China among numismatists and collectors around the world.

Example of Gold Panda in our store:

Panda 1982 1 oz Gold China

Lunar coins

Other popular coins from the mint are the Lunar gold coins. While several countries around the world offer Lunar series, the China Mint’s issues feature their own unique designs. The various combinations showcase realistic and artistic interpretations of different animals associated with the Chinese New Year. The mint also distinguishes itself by offering a wide variety of Lunar coins. In addition to round 30-gram proof coins, it also offers colored, fan-shaped, flower-shaped, and rectangular proof coins. The colored coins feature a vibrant, artistic design, while the others depict a realistic representation of the animal celebrated in that particular year, set against an artistic backdrop.

You can find our shop with all coins here: RareCoin Precious Metals

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