Chinese Panda coins are gold and silver coins that are unique precious metal coins minted by the Chinese government.
Both were first issued in the early 1980s. Gold giant panda coins are issued as proof, uncirculated coins, while silver panda coins come in several types.
Both are popular with coin collectors as both collection pieces and investments. But, are Chinese Panda Coins a good investment for you?
Here are the facts and the history of the Chinese Panda coins.
What Are Chinese Bullion Coins?
In the late 1970s, the Chinese government began striking bullion coins as legal tender, a collector’s item, and an investment.
The first commemorative bullion coin was struck in 1979, and in 1982, the first Gold Panda entered the market.
Shortly after, the Chinese government minted the first silver bullion panda coin. Both were uncirculated, except for collector, dealer, and special order public purchases.
How Much Are Chinese Panda Coins Worth?
Every Chinese Panda Coin is worth its face value. In addition, the precious metal value is the weight of the precious metal in the coin times the market price.
The following are the mint weight and corresponding denominations of both the gold and silver coins:
Chinese Silver Panda Coin
The specific weights of the Silver Panda vary by year, based on the mint state of the coin.
- 1 K: 300 yuan
- 12 Troy Ounces: 100 yuan
- 5 Troy Ounces: 50 yuan
- 150 grams: 50 yuan
- 1 Troy Ounce: 10 yuan
- 30 grams: 10 yuan
- ½ Troy Ounce: 5 yuan
- ¼ Troy Ounce: 3 yuan
In determining the value of a silver panda coin, the mint state of the coin factors above the precious metal value.
Here is a breakdown of the mint state of each type of coin, as it was struck by Chinese Mints (there are no mint marks on the panda coins).
- Bulk Uncirculated
- Proof quality
- Gilding (either side or both)
- Colored (only obverse side known)
- Privy marked (commemorative issue coins)
- Extra Wording (for special events like the Olympics, celebrating the government, celebrating Chinese history, etc.)
Pricing for each type of coin varies based on the market value of an ounce of silver. For example, a panda proof that is uncirculated and Privy marked with additional wording criteria will be worth more than a regular panda proof coin.
Additionally, if the coin is proof or uncirculated, it is worth more than one in circulation.
Chinese Gold Panda Coin
Specific weights for Chinese bullion coins vary by year, based on mint orders from the Chinese government.
The following is a breakdown of gold pandas by weight and denomination.
1982 – 2000
The total weight of these coins ranged from 1.5 to 31 grams.
- 1 Troy Ounce: 100 yuan
- ½ Troy Ounce: 50 yuan
- ¼ Troy Ounce: 25 yuan
- 1/10 Troy Ounce: 10 yuan
- 1/20 Troy Ounce: 5 yuan
2001 – 2015
The total weight of these coins ranged from 1.5 to 31 grams.
- 1 Troy Ounce: 100 yuan
- ½ Troy Ounce: 50 yuan
- ¼ Troy Ounce: 25 yuan
- 1/10 Troy Ounce: 10 yuan
- 1/20 Troy Ounce: 5 yuan
2016 – Current
The Chinese government switched to metric sizes in 2016.
- 30 grams on a 500 yuan piece: .9645 Troy Ounces
- 15 grams on a 200 yuan piece: .4823 Troy Ounces
- 8 grams on a 100 yuan piece: .2572 Troy Ounces
- 3 grams on a 50 yuan piece: .0965 Troy Ounces
- 1 gram on a 10 yuan piece: .0322 Troy Ounces
Market Prices
The Chinese silver and gold panda coins have an official face value, but the gold content of the coins will most often exceed the face value of the coins, mainly when precious metals are selling high.
For example, in 2022, the market price of gold has been hovering between $1700 and $1800 per troy ounce.
One troy-ounce proof coins would be the most valuable gold coins and the best gold coin for investors because it is worth the weight of the gold at the market price.
Chinese Panda Coins (Gold & Silver)
Silver and gold Chinese Panda Coins were commissioned in the early 1980s and first minted in 1982. Each has a history of varying gold content.
The sizes of gold coins range in size from 10 to 32.05 mm, depending on the year. Silver coins range from 25 mm for a ¼ Troy Ounce to 100 mm for a 1 Kilo silver panda coin.
Pros
- Chinese gold coins are an investment that adds precious metals to a portfolio.
- Gold has always been a stable and tremendous investment during times of economic upheaval.
Cons
- The cons are only the price of gold, which can go down during stable economic times.
Are Chinese Panda Coins a Good Investment?
Over four-plus decades, the Chinese Panda series of coins have proven to be some of the most popular specially minted coins worldwide.
They are popular with collectors, dealers, and broader public audiences. If you want an investment in gold or silver with aesthetic beauty and the precious metal content in the coins, the panda coin series might be for you.
Contact an official distributor today to learn more about the coins and how to order them.
FAQs
The following are commonly asked questions about gold and silver Chinese Panda Coins.
