Chinese Panda Coin: Gold & Silver, Sizes, and Where to Buy

The Chinese Panda coin is available in high-purity gold and silver in a variety of sizes. The coin is collected for its annual design highlighting Chinese culture.

Chinese Panda gold and silver coins

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Read our Advertising Disclosure.

Coin Facts

  • Mint Dates: 1982-present
  • Designer: Varies
  • Composition: 99.9% pure gold
  • 1 Troy oz coin
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Thickness: 2.7mm
  • Gross Weight: 31.103g
  • Other coin sizes: 30g, 15g, 8g, 3g, 1g

The Chinese Panda coin is a popular coin with investors and collectors. It is a high-purity coin with good investment value and its annual design makes it a sought after piece by collectors.

This article uses mint data to evaluate the coin’s investment potential. Continue reading to learn more.

Gold & Silver Kit

Don't buy gold or silver until you get this free kit.

Get Free Gold & Silver Kit

About the Chinese Panda Coin

Chinese Panda gold coin

The Chinese Panda coin was introduced in 1982 by the People’s Bank of China to raise awareness for the giant panda and make China competitive in the global bullion market.

The coin celebrates China’s cultural heritage and is available in both gold and silver.

History

The Chinese Panda coin was first produced in 1982. The introduction of the coin was intended to make China competitive in the global bullion market, competing alongside the South African Krugerrand and the Canadian Maple Leaf.

The coin features the giant panda on the to raise awareness for the endangered species.

A silver version of the Chinese Panda coin was introduced in 1983 to offer investors a low-cost opportunity to diversify their portfolios. 10,000 coins were produced as proofs in 1983, 1984, and 1985.

Production of the silver coin was discontinued in 1986 before resuming again in 1989.

The design of the coin changes annually to highlight China’s rich cultural history. Because of the annual design, it has garnered a reputation for both its intrinsic and artistic value.

Both the gold and silver Chinese Panda coins are legal tender. They come in a variety of sizes.

The gold coin ranges in face value from 10 yuan to 500 yuan and is made of 99.9% pure gold. The silver coin is made from 99.9% pure silver and ranges in face value from three to 300 yuan.

Design

The Chinese Panda coin has a new design each year. The obverse depicts the Temple of Heaven in Beijing while the reverse depicts the giant panda in different natural settings.

The inscriptions on the obverse read:

  • People’s Republic of China (written in Chinese)
  • Year

The inscriptions on the reverse read:

  • Weight (in grams)
  • Au .999 for gold and Ag .999 for silver
  • Face value denoted in Yuan

The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing China’s cultural heritage. The giant panda is an environmental symbol of China, representing peace and harmony.

Minting & Distribution

Chinese Panda coins are available as gold and silver bullion, proof coins, and uncirculated coins.

Both gold and silver coins are made from 99.9% pure metal.

Coins are minted by the Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Shenzhen mints. Unlike U.S. coins, there is no marking to denote which facility coins are minted at.

The China Gold Coin Corporation distributes coins in China while coins in the United States are distributed by Panda America. Chinese Panda coins are eligible for inclusion in gold IRAs.

In 2016, coins began being minted with weights in grams rather than troy ounces.

Gold Coins Pre-2016

WeightFace Value (1982-2000)Face Value (2001-2015)
1 troy ounce100 Yuan500 Yuan
½ troy ounce50 Yuan200 Yuan
¼ troy ounce25 Yuan100 Yuan
1/10 troy ounce10 Yuan50 Yuan
1/20 troy ounce5 Yuan20 Yuan

Gold Coins After 2016

WeightFace Value
30 grams500 Yuan
15 grams200 Yuan
8 grams100 Yuan
3 grams50 Yuan
1 gram20 Yuan

The exact number of coins minted varies by year and are in limited quantities. There were only 16,000 coins minted during the first release in 1982, selling out in weeks.

Coins bear privy marks to denote commemorative issues. For example, 50,000 silver coins were minted in 2019 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bank of Beijing while only 35,000 gold coins were minted.

Best Places to Buy Chinese Panda Coins

I’ve listed my top 3 favorite places online that I like to buy my Chinese Panda coins from.

Goldco

Goldco homepage

Goldco is a reputable precious metals dealer that offers eligible coins, like the Chinese Panda Coin, for direct purchase or inclusion in a gold IRA.

Goldco

Goldco is one of the premier Precious Metals IRA companies in the United States.

JM Bullion

JM Bullion homepage

JM Bullion is a Dallas-based online precious metals retailer with more than a decade of experience. Investors can purchase Chinese Panda coins directly from the company’s website.

APMEX

APMEX homepage

Founded in 2000, APMEX is an online precious metals marketplace offering the Chinese Panda Coin.

Are Chinese Panda coins a good investment?

The Chinese Panda coin combines intrinsic value with artistic appeal, making it a good addition for investors and collectors.

Whether you want to diversify your portfolio or collect pandas, the Chinese Panda coin can be a good option to add. 

The Chinese Panda coin can be included in a gold IRA. Learn more about investing in precious metals and find a reputable dealer to add the coin to your portfolio.

Gold & Silver Kit

Don't buy gold or silver until you get this free kit.

Get Free Gold & Silver Kit