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Gold Pandas
Most major global Mints annually release a defining gold bullion series, often emblematic of the country that issues it. South Africa releases the gold Kruggerand, Canada releases the gold Maple Leaf, and China releases the gold Panda coin. First struck in 1982 and issued by the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese gold Panda was the third gold bullion coin to make its debut after both the Kruggerand and Maple Leaf hit the numismatic world scene. The gold Panda always features a representation of the Temple of Heaven on its obverse, while the reverse features annually changing designs of the iconic Chinese bear. Scroll below to browse our extensive gold Panda inventory, and to learn more about this iconic Chinese coin series.
Most major global Mints annually release a defining gold bullion series, often emblematic of the country that issues it. South Africa releases the gold Krugerrand, Canada releases the gold Maple Leaf, and China releases the gold Panda coins.
What Is a Gold Panda Coin?
First struck in 1982 and issued by the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Gold Panda Coin was the third gold bullion coin to make its debut after both the Krugerrand and Maple Leaf hit the numismatic world scene. The gold Panda always features a representation of the Temple of Heaven on its obverse, while the reverse features annually changing designs of the iconic Chinese bear. Scroll below to browse our extensive gold Panda inventory, and to learn more about this iconic Chinese coin series.
More about the Gold Panda Series
The first gold Panda coin struck in 1982 received four different size variations including a 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz coins, all comprised of 99.9% fine gold. The very next year, a new 1/20 oz issue was released by the Mint and later a 5 oz., 12 oz., and a 1-kilogram version would be issued as well. Except for 2001 and 2002, when the Chinese Mint put a freeze on changing the coin’s design, the reverse designs of the gold Panda have annually changed, allowing various perspectives of the native Chinese bear to appear in collections around the world. Another unique feature about gold Panda coins is that the vast majority do not carry mint marks. Despite China having several different Mints that strike Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Pandas, most do not strike a mark on the coins to signify where they came from. However, certain years of issue do carry variations which assist in determining what Mint certain specific gold Panda coins hail from. Adding another unique aspect of these coins is that in 2016, they shifted from using “oz” denominations on their coins to using “grams” for the denomination, which is the standard currently used in China today.
Gold Panda Sets
If you have a hard time deciding which gold Panda coin is right for your collection, there are entire gold Panda coin sets where you can get every denomination for a particular year of issue. The China mint releases annual proof sets, containing a proof variation of the particular design being issued in a given year. Such Panda Proof Sets will also include a Certificate of Authenticity and original government packaging. One example of a special edition set is the incredible 2014 Prestige Gold Panda Set which contains five Gold Panda coins of varying sizes and weights and a special Year of the Horse silver medallion, a gem for any Chinese based coin collection.
Special Issues: Show Pandas and More
For certain special occasions, the Chinese Mint will strike illusive “Show Pandas,” many of which are only available at specific coin shows. For example, the past few years, the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Annual World’s Fair of Money show has featured a show exclusive Panda released by the Chinese Mint that carries the ANA’s logo. GovMint.com is often able to offer these show ANA show Pandas as exclusive offerings.
Moon Panda
Since 2015, the China Mint has released a special, annual version of the gold Panda coin. The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, happens in early fall and celebrates the harvest season when the moon is supposedly at its biggest and fullest. In 2015, GovMint.com partnered with the Chinese Mint to facilitate this stunning new annual series, with an introductory coin that included space-flown gold in the coin. The series often features changing designs and additions to the coins, which makes the reveal of each new addition, a treat for collectors. For example, the 2018 moon festival gold Panda boasts a white jade moon that pops against its gold surface, while the 2017 release featured a unique hologram finish.
History of the Gold Panda
The first gold Panda coin struck in 1982 received four different size variations, including 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz coins, all comprised of 99.9% fine gold. The very next year, a new 1/20 oz issue was released by the Mint, and later 5 oz., 12 oz., and 1-kilogram versions would be issued as well. Except for 2001 and 2002, when the Chinese Mint put a freeze on changing the coin’s design, the reverse designs of the gold Panda have annually changed, allowing various perspectives of the native Chinese bear to appear in collections around the world.
Another unique feature about gold Panda coins is that the vast majority do not carry mint marks. Despite China having several different Mints that strike Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Pandas, most do not strike a mark on the coins to signify where they came from. However, certain years of issue do carry variations which assist in determining what Mint certain specific gold Panda coins hail from. Adding another unique aspect of these coins is that in 2016, they shifted from using “oz” denominations on their coins to using “grams” for the denomination, which is the standard currently used in China today.
Gold Panda Sets
If you have a hard time deciding which gold Panda coin is right for your collection, there are entire gold Panda coin sets where you can get every denomination for a particular year of issue. The China mint releases annual proof sets containing a proof variation of the particular design being issued in a given year. Such Panda Proof Sets will also include a Certificate of Authenticity and original government packaging. One example of a special edition set is the incredible 2014 Prestige Gold Panda Set which contains five Gold Panda coins of varying sizes and weights and a special Year of the Horse silver medallion, a gem for any Chinese-based coin collection.
Special Issues of Gold Pandas
Gold Pandas are known for their consistent annual releases, but there have also been special issues of the coin on occasion. These special Gold Panda coins can include variations in size, weight, or design and may be released to commemorate a specific event. They may also be issued in limited quantities, which can make them more appealing to collectors. For example, Show Pandas are special issues of the coin that feature a different design than the standard annual issue. These coins are usually issued in limited mintages and are struck in high relief to enhance the details of the design. It's important to note that special issues can also have a positive impact on the coin's value, thus driving up interest from investors.
Show Pandas
For certain special occasions, the Chinese Mint will strike illusive “Show Pandas,” many of which are only available at specific coin shows. For example, the past few years, the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Annual World’s Fair of Money show has featured a show exclusive Panda released by the Chinese Mint that carries the ANA’s logo. GovMint.com is often able to offer these show ANA show Pandas as exclusive offerings.
Moon Panda
Since 2015, the China Mint has released a special annual version of the gold Panda coin, known as the Moon Festival Panda® series. The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, happens in early fall and celebrates the harvest season when the moon is supposedly at its biggest and fullest. In 2015, GovMint.com partnered with the Chinese Mint to facilitate this stunning new annual series with an introductory coin that included space-flown gold in the coin. The series often features changing designs and additions to the coins, which makes the reveal of each new addition a treat for collectors. For example, the 2018 moon festival gold Panda boasts a white jade moon that pops against its gold surface, while the 2017 release featured a unique hologram finish.
Buy Gold Pandas at GovMint.com
When it comes to buying Gold Panda coins, it's essential to purchase them from a trusted and reputable dealer. At GovMint.com, we offer a wide selection of Gold Panda coins, including special issues, while guaranteeing the authenticity of every coin we sell. By purchasing from a reputable dealer like GovMint.com, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality coin at a fair price. Whether you are just starting or expanding your collection of Gold Pandas, GovMint.com offers a secure and convenient shopping experience with a variety of payment options and fast shipping. Shop Gold Panda coins today!
