Chinese Panda

The Complete Guide to the Chinese Panda

The Chinese Silver Panda is a series of silver bullion coins issued by the People's Republic of China. 

The design of the panda is changed every year and minted in different sizes and denominations, ranging from 0.5 troy oz. to 1 kilogram. Starting in 2016, Pandas switched to metric sizes. The 1 troy ounce coin was reduced to 30 grams, while the 5 troy ounce coin was reduced to 150 grams. There is also a Gold Panda series issued featuring the same designs as the Silver Panda coins.

The first Silver Panda coins—issued 10 yuan Panda bullion in 1983, 1984, and 1985—were proof quality, with a precious metal content of 27 grams of 0.900 fine silver and a diameter of 38.6 mm. Mintages were only 10,000 for each year. No Silver Pandas were issued in 1986. The 1987 Silver Panda coins were minted in proof quality from 1 troy oz. of sterling (.925 fine) silver, with a diameter of 40 mm. There are several mints that produced Silver Panda coins over the years, including: Shanghai, Shenyang, and Shenzhen. 

The 1/2 oz Pandas were only produced from 1993-1998 and the 1kg Pandas started in 1998 to present day.

In certain years there are minor variations in the coin design—such as the size of the date, and temple. That allows the originating mint to be determined. An example is 1996 where different mints produced coins with minor variations in the font size of the date on the obverse side of the coins. In 2015 the Gold and Silver Panda coins were not labeled with metal fineness and weight. This information returned in 2016 when the 1 troy ounce coin was replaced by the 30-gram coin (one troy ounce is approximately 31.1 grams).

Bullion


The Shenyang & Shanghai mints are the two producers of the silver coin. These mints have a long history in China. Each mint uses different styles and techniques according to their manufacturing process. This has led to a variation in coins produced at the mints.


The center of the obverse is a depiction of The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests located in the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. The Hall was built between 1406 to 1420. Chinese characters on top say "中华人民共和国", meaning the People's Republic of China and the bottom the year of issue.


The reverse shows portraits of the giant panda that changes every year (except for 2001 and 2002, which share the same design).


Included below (where available) are the mintage limits as well as the estimated population of each coin. The estimated population figures are derived from The Gold & Silver Panda Coin Buyer's Guide by Peter Anthony.

Special Editions


Limited edition Pandas have been released since 1997, commemorating a wide range of expos, events and anniversaries.

1/2 oz Silver


The 1/z Oz silver Chinese Panda was first released in 1993 and was available until 1998. Each coin weighed 15.55g with a diameter of 32.5mm and a face value of 5 Yuan.


1995 - Available with 2 variations of Obverse. Large Mintage refers to coins minted with a Large Date format, Small Mintage refers to coins with a Small Date Frosted Gap.

12oz Silver


The 12oz silver Chinese Panda was first released in 1988 and was available every year until 1997. Each coin weighed 12 troy ounces (373g) with a diameter of 80mm and a face value of 100 Yuan.

1kg Silver


The 1kg silver Chinese Panda was first released in proof format in 1998. Each coin weighed 1000g with a diameter of 100mm and a face value of 200 Yuan for 1998 and 1999, rising to 300 Yuan from 2000 onwards.

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