.999 1/10 Ounce Gold China Panda Bear
Although coins have been used as currency in China for over 2,000 years, they were initially made of mixtures of materials such as tin, lead, and copper. Around 200 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang standardized Chinese coins to copper. As China became more exposed to international trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, silver became the preferred means of exchange, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the nation began making silver coins.
The Rise of the Renminbi
Throughout the early 20th century, political and economic turmoil caused major currency fluctuations, culminating in the Communist takeover in 1949. The Peoples Republic established the renminbi as the national currency, primarily as paper banknotes, but with some aluminum coins produced as well.
Gold Bullion Coins Issued in 1982
While gold coins have never been in circulation in China, the government began issuing gold bullion coins in 1982. The coins are issued in proof-like brilliant uncirculated quality. The Temple of Heaven is depicted on the face along with the inscription People’s Republic of China and any commemorative message in Chinese characters around the rim and the year of issue below the temple. The reverse has pandas in poses that change annually.
Yearly Gold Panda Coin Design Changes
The yearly panda design change is one of the things that makes these coins so popular with collectors, and Chinese Gold Pandas are one of only two official government bullion coins to do so, the other being the Australian Gold Kangaroo. But that nearly stopped in 2001 when the government decided to freeze the design. The 2002 coins were identical to 2001, but collectors objected so strongly that the annual design changes were reinstated in 2003. The design of the coins is consistent over all denominations in a given year.
Gold Panda Coin Sizes and Weights
While the coins are legal tender and are denominated in yuan, their bullion value is much higher. Unlike most other officially minted coins, the Pandas carry no mint mark. From 1982 through 2015, the coins were issued in troy ounce weights of 99.9 fine gold. Mostly produced as 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 ounce coins, a 1/20-ounce coin was added in 1983, and 5- and 12-ounce coins were made in some years, as well. Beginning in 2016, China switched from troy ounce weights to grams to conform to the metric system, resulting in coins of slightly difference sizes and weights.
Collect the Chinese Gold Panda Coin
The Great American Coin Company® is proud to offer beautiful .999 Fine 1/10 Troy Ounce Chinese Gold Panda coins in random dates from 1982-2015 to both collectors and bullion investors. Their annual design changes make them excellent collectibles as well as being a lower-cost way to acquire investment-quality gold bullion. They make great special-occasion gifts, too, but our supply is limited, so act now before this unique opportunity vanishes.
In addition to Chinese Gold Pandas, The Great American Coin Company offers a wide selection of bullion coins and bars along with collectible U.S. coins and paper money and currency from around the world. We keep adding unique items as they become available, so be sure to visit us frequently. And while you’re there, be sure to visit our blog for interesting and timely articles about currency and precious metals.
