China debuts its extensive range of Panda bullion and commemorative coins in silver and gold
One of the most eagerly awaited annual bullion coin designs has been revealed – the 2018 Chinese Panda. Now in its fourth decade of production after a debut back in 1982, this hugely popular coin is available in a wide range of sizes in both proof and bullion finishes. All carry the same design, except for the obvious inscription changes to composition and denomination.
Depicting a close-in portrait of a Panda eating some bamboo shoots, this is a view of the subject we’ve never seen on this series before and a hugely welcome change from what has become a little repetitive at times. We believe it’s the work of coin designer Chen Jian who is responsible for several of the Panda designs over the years, including some of the very early ones.
The revised, metric weight system has been retained. Gold bullion versions come in 1g, 3g, 8g, 15g and 30g weights. Gold proof in 50g, 100g, 150g and 1000g (1kg) weights. The silver bullion coin is available in the 30g size only, with 150g and 1kg weights being struck only in the limited proof format. The reinstated composition inscriptions from last year, back after their controversial absence in 2015 are present on each coins reverse face.
Mintages are unchanged from 2017 after a few years of increases. It seems the Bank of China has found its sweet spot for the twelve variants on offer. Again, they’re struck by the Shenzhen Guobao Mint, the Shenyang Mint, and the Shanghai Mint. The bullion coins should be available from 30 October and have their prices tied to spot, the proof will debut from 08 December at considerably higher prices.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
The People’s Bank of China on October 30 2017, will issue 2018 versions of the Panda gold and silver commemorative coins (a total of 12), including six Panda gold and silver commemorative coins (October 30, 2017 issue), and six Panda refined gold and silver Commemorative coins 6 (issued on December 8, 2017). They are the legal tender of the People’s Republic of China.
REVERSE: Panda food bamboo map, and published amount, weight and fineness.
OBVERSE: Beijing Temple of Heaven prayer hall, and published country name, year.
2018 CHINESE PANDA GOLD COIN RANGE
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE | BOX / COA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 1.0 g | 10.0 mm | BULLION | 1,000,000 | NO / NO |
50 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 3.0 g | 18.0 mm | BULLION | 800,000 | NO / NO |
100 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 8.0 g | 22.0 mm | BULLION | 600,000 | NO / NO |
200 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 15.0 g | 27.0 mm | BULLION | 600,000 | NO / NO |
500 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 30.0 g | 32.0 mm | BULLION | 700,000 | NO / NO |
800 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 50.0 g | 40.0 mm | PROOF | 20,000 | YES / YES |
1500 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 100.0 g | 55.0 mm | PROOF | 10,000 | YES / YES |
2000 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 150.0 g | 60.0 mm | PROOF | 5,000 | YES / YES |
10000 YUAN | 0.999 GOLD | 1000 g | 90.0 mm | PROOF | 500 | YES / YES |
Great new coin – thanks …just one mistake in your report.
It supposed to be 2018 not 2017 as stated in the headline of the tables.
Ah, missed that. Thanks mate.