Chinese Panda
The Chinese Panda are legal tender coins minted at the Shenzhen Guobao Mint in the People’s Republic of China. The coins have a purity of 99.9 percent and come in denominations of 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 ounce. The one ounce coin weighs 31.1 grams and has a diameter of 32.05 mm. The smallest one twentieth gold coins are 13.93 mm in diameter and weigh 1.55 grams. Each coin comes from the mint packaged in an individual plastic holding.The Chinese Panda coins have become increasingly popular during the past couple of years. However, the China Gold Coin Incorporated sets limits on the number of coins to be minted each year. As of 2009, the company has determined mintage limits of 160.000 pieces per one ounce coins and 100.000 pieces per one twentieth coins. The Shenzhen Guobao Mint started the production of Silver Panda Coins with a purity of 99.9 percent. The one troy ounce coins are issued by the People’s Bank of China. In addition, there are some rare panda coins such as the 1995 Gold Proof Panda and the 1996 Silver Proof Panda. Special Proof Sets, large 5 and 12 ounce coins, and commemorative issues come in limited editions. China still manufactures special editions of gold Pandas. However, most buyers prefer the bullion one ounce and the smaller size coins.
The Mint changes the design of the coins each year. For instance, the obverse side of the 2009 coin features two seated baby pandas while eating in a bamboo field. The reverse side remains unchanged. It displays the design of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The Chinese Panda coins are increasingly produced as jewelry items. The larger one ounce coins are used in the manufacture of necklaces while the smaller coins are sold in various bracelets, earrings, and pendants.
