The Chinese silver Panda coin, as the name suggests, is issued by the Chinese government. This coin is especially known for its intricate design and fine quality. These factors make this Chinese silver coin a favorite with collectors as well as investors. Buying Chinese silver Panda coins is a sound financial decision in the current economic climate as precious metals continue to grow from strength to strength.
Silver Pandas were first issued in the year 1983. During this time and in the succeeding two years, these coins were only issued as Proofs. The next issue of these Chinese silver coins took place after a year’s gap.
Chinese Silver Pandas are legal tender issued by the People’s Bank of China. Although they do carry a face value, their actual selling price far exceeds this. Generally, Silver Pandas sell at an even greater premium than other popular silver coins like American Eagles. The fact that these are such beautiful coins makes it worthwhile to invest in them in spite of the high premium.
Silver Pandas – Easy to Preserve in Mint Condition
Silver Pandas come in fool proof, double sealed secure packaging with a clear protective packaging encapsulating the plastic coin holder. The packaging keeps pollutants away and is also airtight so that the silver does not get tarnished no matter how many years pass by. Since it is easy to preserve these coins in mint condition for several years, investors and collectors prefer to acquire Silver Panda coins rather than other silver coins.
Each coin is guaranteed to come in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated condition and the foolproof packaging makes it possible to keep them in the same condition even in safe storage. This is important because the intricate design and perfect finish of the Silver Panda coin is one of its most appealing features. Mint condition coins sell at a far greater price than those that are scratched or dulled through excessive handling.
Design, Dimensions and Silver Content
Chinese Silver Panda coins are minted with 99.9% fine silver. The most popular size is the one ounce Silver Panda that contains one troy ounce of the precious metal. There are other sizes available in these coins such as the ½ ounce, 5 ounce, 10 ounce and 1 kilo coins. The range of sizes makes it easy for the smallest of investors to afford these aesthetically pleasing Chinese Silver coins.
The Chinese Silver Pandas minted during the first three years 1983, 1984, 1985 had a diameter of 38.6 mm. However, since the year 1987 these coins have been minted with a diameter of 40 mm.
The Chinese Silver Panda is among the few legal tender coins that undergo a design change periodically. Collectors ensure that they acquire Silver Pandas every year so that their collection has a coin bearing each design released. This gives these Chinese silver coins an excellent collectors market that remains consistent. In 2011, the Silver Panda design depicted a mother Panda playing with a cub in a bamboo field. The design on the reverse of the coin does not change, with the same Beijing Temple of Heaven being represented here year after year.
Interesting Aspects about the Silver Pandas
There are a few special aspects about the Chinese Silver Panda that sets these coins apart from the rest. One interesting fact is that these coins do not carry mint marks. However, it is possible to identify the source of some of these coins based on the subtle differences in design. For example, in the 1996 series, different mints used varying font sizes for the date appearing on the obverse of the Chinese silver Pandas minted in this year.
Silver Pandas of Special Value
There are a few Silver Pandas that garner a special price in the market when compared to the rest of the series. For example, coins from the first three mintages, i.e.: during the years 1983, 1984 and 1985, are considered very valuable. The reason behind this is that there were limited mintages during these years which makes coins from this time period very rare. Only 10,000 coins were minted as Proofs in these years. In 1983, the Chinese Mint produced some magnificent frosted Proofs that are especially attractive. Another special design that is sure to grow in value quickly is the 1997 Proof with gold insert. You will also find color Pandas and gilded Pandas in this series that are beautiful works of intricate craftsmanship.
Buying Genuine Silver Pandas
If you have decided to buy Chinese Silver Pandas to improve your exposure to silver, then it is important for you to exercise caution during the purchase process. Avoid buying these coins through sellers like eBay or from unknown dealers since there are a number of counterfeits circulating in the markets. Although these fake coins may be easy to distinguish if you know what marks to look for, it is best to buy only from a well known and reputed dealer to avoid risk. Choose silver dealers who have authorizations from the ANA or PGCS to show that they deal only in authentic Chinese Silver Pandas.