History

China issued its first gold coins picturing a panda design in 1982, in sizes of 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 troy oz. of 99.9 fine gold. Beginning in 1983 another size was added – 1/20 oz. Larger panda coins were issued in some years, weighing 5 and 12 oz. These popular coins are issued in prooflike brilliant uncirculated quality with a different design each year. A freeze of the design was announced with the 2001 issues—and thus the 2002 pandas were identical to 2001. But collectors spoke up in behalf of annual changes, and China reverted to their original policy. There are several mints that produce these coins, including but not limited to: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Shenzhen. Unlike coins made by U.S. mints that carry mintmarks to distinguish their origin, Chinese mints usually do not employ mintmarks. In certain years there are minor variations—in the size of the date, style of the temple, etc.—in the coin design that allow the originating mint to be determined. Certain years are also designed by different designers. The design of the obverse changes less frequently than the design of the panda change. The official Chinese pandas should not be confused with Chinese Medals which also use a panda.