China Mint
Operated by the People’s Bank of China, the China Mint (or translated Chinese Mint) has become one of the most popular sources for gold and silver coins around the world. With twenty-two branches spread 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. The China Mint has a rich, ancient numismatic history. The beautifully designed Gold Panda series and the Lunar series are among the most valuable coins. What is particularly fascinating is that despite the minute differences between coin designs, the Chinese mint often does not put mint marks on their issues, which makes Chinese gold coins all the more fascinating.
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:
Lunar coins
Other popular coins from the mint are the Lunar gold coins. While several countries around the world offer lunar series, China Mint issues showcase their own unique designs. The different combinations show realistic and artistic interpretations of different animals for Chinese New Year. The mint also stands out for 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 are characterized by a vivid, artistic design, while the others show a realistic representation of the creature celebrated in that year in the foreground against the background of an artistic version.
More information
Our “insider tip” and personal favorite: the Hu Poo Chihli Dragon Dollar Restrike, 1 oz PU (Premium Uncirculated) from 2020. It is the 5th coin in the new 8-coin China’s Famous Vintage Coin Series. The smallest edition of only 100 pieces and its beauty make this gold coin very desirable among collectors.
