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.

2018 CHINESE PANDA SILVER COIN RANGE

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
10 YUAN 0.999 SILVER 30.0 g 40.0 mm BULLION 10,000,000 NO / NO
50 YUAN 0.999 SILVER 150.0 g 70.0 mm PROOF 60,000 YES / YES
300 YUAN 0.999 SILVER 1000 g 100.0 mm PROOF 20,000 YES / YES

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