History and Curiosities of Chinese Gold Panda Coins

The Chinese Panda features in the Orovilla gold coin collection with the 800, 500 and 200 Yuan coins released in 2020. This precious coin is part of a series minted by the Chinese Mint, 'The People's Republic of China Mint', since 1982.

The subject of the coins is always the Giant Panda, but each year it is depicted differently. The only exceptions are the years 2001 and 2002, which feature the same design. The giant panda is a mammal of the Ursidae family that lives in the mountainous regions of Sichuan (central China). Its image has become a national emblem in China, a symbol of the WWF for decades, and it has recently been removed from the endangered animals list.

The Chinese Mint remains firmly anchored in tradition, but two exceptions can be named:

• a gold Panda with a face value of 3 Yuan was minted in 1991;
• the only other exception was the 5 kg pure gold Chinese Panda, a giant coin, approximately the size of a car rim.

Characteristics of the Gold Chinese Panda investment coin

The Chinese Panda (熊猫 金币) is a 999.9/1000 pure gold coin, i.e. 24 carat. The special feature of this coin, which makes it highly sought after by collectors and investors, is that it shows a different depiction of the Panda each year, just like the Australian Kangaroo coins. This peculiarity makes each piece unique and precious, to be collected and treasured. The Giant Panda is engraved with the weight, the gold symbol (Au), the denomination (999) and the face value of the coin, which can be ¥800, ¥500 or ¥200. This is precisely the face value, which is quite different from the real value, which is based on the gold price at the time of purchase.

The obverse of each coin depicts the famous Prayer Hall for Abundant Harvests of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the image of which remained unchanged from 1982 to 1991; it was later slightly modified, first in 1992 and then in 2000.

The Chinese Panda can be found in the Orovilla store in different weights: 50 gr, 30 gr, 15 gr in their 2020 version.

The Golden Panda, buy a gold coin with a unique design

In addition to gold, the Chinese Panda coin is produced in silver, palladium and platinum and is manufactured to the highest factory standards. However, the minting process remains unknown and the dissemination of information is regulated by censorship by the government of the People's Republic of China. Moreover, the complex and sophisticated design of the Chinese Panda coin makes it very difficult to reproduce.

The side of the coin depicting the well-known Prayer Hall for Abundant Harvests of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing remains unchanged. This monument is located in the Dongcheng district of Beijing, south-east of Tian'anmen. The first building of the Temple of Heaven was completed in 1420 and was later enlarged and rebuilt several times. Originally called the Temple of Heaven and Earth, it was the place where emperors honoured and offered sacrifices to the gods of heaven and earth.

On the reverse of the coin, the Giant Panda, with rare exceptions, is always depicted differently. The 2020 version depicts a giant panda cub lying on a turf.

Another special feature of this Chinese coin is its limited edition. Thanks to the reduced availability, the Golden Panda becomes even rarer and more sought-after by collectors.

Chinese Panda, the first investment coin based on the metric system

As is well known, most gold coins of all states are minted according to the ounce system. As of 2016, the Chinese Mint started using the metric system for the production of gold coins and bars. This drastic and unusual change was made by the Chinese government to assert diversity and supposed superiority over the United States of America. With the 2016 Gold Panda, China became the first country in the world to mint investment coins based on the metric system, moving away from the classic ounce system.

Why buy a Chinese Panda coin?

The gold Chinese Panda is one of the most prized and valuable investment coins, an excellent purchase to add to a collection or an investment portfolio. Gold has always been one of the safest precious metals for investment and has proven to perform well even in times of conflict or economic instability.

The Chinese Panda gold coin is particularly beautiful and linked to Chinese history and tradition:

• pure gold 999.9/1000, equal to 24 carat;
• a limited edition;
• each year it is minted with a different design;
• many formats to choose from;
• with Orovilla, shipping is secure, confidential and insured.

The People's Republic of China has started minting Gold Pandas to compete on the market with South Africa's Krugerrand, Canada's Maple Leaf and the United States' American Eagle, which fascinate many collectors around the world. A stance that has not left collectors and investors indifferent.

Gifting a gold coin, why choose the Gold Panda

Gifting a gold coin for a special occasion is a rapidly growing trend. Gold is a metal symbol of power, wealth and eternal value. In fact, a gold coin not only retains its value in terms of the physical gold it contains, but also increases its value over time.

If classic jewellery, although containing precious metals, suffers depreciation, sometimes even significant, due to use, gold coinage actually represents a reserve of cash to be used in case of need. So an important gift, perfect for a wedding or a christening, a treasure that increases its value over time.

Also not to be underestimated is the convenience of buying the coin, which is exempt from VAT as it is investment gold.

The 2020 issue of the China Panda could become particularly significant and the value increase over time. Because of its temporal link to the Coronavirus, it could gain additional valuation from year to year, as coins, even investment coins, are greatly affected by a psychological factor. The 2020 issue, inevitably linked to the spread of Covid-19, will in time, have a 'meaning' all its own and this in the coin business is a very important added value.

How to resell your gold Chinese Panda coins - The Renminbi

It is possible to disinvest a gold Chinese Panda coin at any time. Orovilla buys investment gold coins: all common gold coins, coin collections, and rare and collector gold coins.

At the time of purchase we appraise the coins, check them carefully for gold content, authenticity and condition.

The possibility of selling physical gold in any form and state of preservation, at any time and place, is its advantage over other forms of investment.