Chinese Panda

Though it may come as a bit of a surprise to a new gold buyer, the Chinese Panda is actually one of the most renowned and popular coins in the world of numismatics. You would tend to think that a coin from China can't possibly be in all that much demand all the way back in North America and Europe, but the truth is that the coin is about as popular as it gets. The variations in each coin from year to year are one of the undying traits that allow it to remain in high demand on an annual basis.

The very first Chinese Gold Panda was minted in 1982, making the coin a few years older than some of the staples in the market today. The coin comes in all of the standard weight denominations, ranging from 1/20th oz. to 1 ounce. The 1/20th oz. coin was only first released in 1993, with the others having been available since 1982.

Chinese Panda Design

The design of the Chinese Panda is one of the most interesting and appealing among all popular coins. The obverse side of the coin is indecipherable to most people, given the fact that it is written in traditional Chinese language. The coin says, across the top, "Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo", which simply means People's Republic of China. In addition to this writing, the obverse side also includes a depiction of the Temple of Heaven as well as the engraved year in which the specific coin was released.

The reverse side of the Panda is what makes the coin really special. Unlike many coins that keep the same design or basic illustrations from year to year, the Panda actually has a different picture each year. The one thing that remains with every release is the Panda theme. This is how you can determine whether or not you have a Chinese Panda in your possession. Though each year is going to be different from the next, they all feature a Panda of one kind or another on the reverse side. This unique approach to design is one of the primary reasons why it is always in such demand.

Cost of Gold Pandas

Gold Pandas, for the most part, are in line with most other common coins. At around $100 over spot for one ounce coins, the Panda is not at all over priced. The expense in owning Pandas will come when you try to chase some of the rarer versions that were available only in very limited quantities. If you simply want to own a handful of Pandas, regardless of particular rarity, however, you will not break the bank.

The lowest end Panda coins are the regular, uncirculated types. These have the highest production runs and are the easiest to find. Though buying these coins online will be the most convenient, there is an outside shot that your local coin store will actually have them in stock. With that said, they are not exactly available in abundance in most North American shops.

Buying Gold Pandas Online

One of the things that all buyers need to look out for with Gold Pandas is the possibility of fakes. Over the years, largely due to the varied designs that have been found, counterfeits have found their way onto the secondary market. The best thing that you can do to ensure that you are buying the real deal is to only order from a reputable dealer. No credible gold site will buy, or especially re-sell any fake Panda coins. Other than shopping from only the most respected websites, you can check for actual pictures of the item that you are buying. Make sure that it has the markings and design that go hand in hand with the year that it was released.

If you are buying your Pandas online, it is worth considering the option of buying Proofs instead of regular uncirculated coins. This will provide even further security and assurance that you are buying authentic coins. Beyond this, make sure that you are paying a fair price (roughly $100 over spot for generic one ounce coins) and you will have nothing else to worry about. Pandas are popular in all corners of the world and have proven to be one of the most logical investments in all of gold numismatics, making them a solid buy for any serious gold owner.