The China Gold Coin Incorporation is renowned for crafting the commemorative Panda Coin series. This sovereign bullion coin boasts a storied past comparable to esteemed counterparts such as the Britannia and American Eagle.

Distinguished as one of the few bullion coins worldwide to unveil fresh designs annually, investors and collectors eagerly await the release of each year’s China Panda and its meticulously crafted design. Furthermore, as the coins are minted by various mints across China, distinctive mint variations enhance the coins’ allure and worth.

History of the China Mint

The China Mint’s history intertwines with the tumultuous political landscape of post-World War II China. Its origins trace back to 1945, following the end of the harsh Japanese Occupation. Amidst the chaos of the Second Sino-Japanese War, China’s nationalist government sought refuge in Taiwan, where it remained throughout WWII.

Meanwhile, in mainland China, a communist administration under Mao Zedong rose to power, leading revolutionary efforts against the Japanese occupiers. The nationalist government’s institutions, including the Central Bank of China and the Chinese Mint, remained in Taiwan.

This division led to confusion, as similar institutions existed in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Mint in mainland China operates under the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation.

The China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation

Today, the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPMC) operates as the official Chinese Mint. Although the precise origins of minting in China remain somewhat obscure, its roots extend back 120 years to the Qing Dynasty.

In 1896, the Qing Dynasty government initiated the first centralized Mint, the Fengtian Machinery Bureau, and established the Duzhibu Printing Bureau in 1908. Decades later, amid the revolutionary period spearheaded by Mao Zedong, the inaugural official Mint of contemporary China emerged—the Shangjing Mint.

Subsequently, these distinct entities amalgamated to form the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation, presently under the governance of the People’s Republic of China and supervised by the People’s Bank of China. These minting facilities are strategically located in historical sites, encompassing the Shenyang Mint (established in 1896), the Shanghai Mint (established in 1920), and the more contemporary Nanjing Mint (established in 1985).

The China Gold Coin Inc. 

To add another name to the list, China Gold Coin Incorporation (CGCI) is a Shenzhen-based company under the direct supervision of the People’s Bank of China. 

It was founded in 1987 to design, manufacture, and market Chinese commemorative and investment coins in the four precious metal types. The central motif chosen was the protected panda bear, which is not only a national symbol but also the oldest ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese Gold Panda coins are marketed as “Chinese Gold Silver Commemorative Coins” (CGSCC). The pandas are released yearly with a new gold and silver design. Platinum and palladium versions existed in the past but are no longer minted. 

Bullion products from the Chinese Mint

The Chinese Mint’s flagship bullion offerings are the commemorative gold and silver Panda coins. Initially introduced in 1979 to mark the 30th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, these coins stand as the pinnacle of China’s precious metal products.

Today, the CGCI oversees the production of China’s bullion coins, primarily focusing on gold and silver varieties that pay homage to China’s rich cultural legacy, historical milestones, and breathtaking natural scenery.

Among the most coveted bullion items from the Chinese Mint are:

Gold Panda Coins: Renowned for their annually changing designs featuring the iconic giant panda, symbolizing China’s dedication to wildlife preservation. Available in various denominations and sizes, ranging from the 1gm Chinese Gold Panda Coin to the 30gm Chinese Gold Panda Coin, each boasting a purity of 999.

Silver Panda Coins: Mirroring the allure of their gold counterparts, Silver Panda coins exhibit distinct designs of the beloved giant panda each year. Celebrated for their artistic merit and purity (999 fine silver), they come in various denominations, from the 1oz Silver Panda Coin to the 30gm Chinese Silver Panda Coin.

Platinum Panda Coins: Produced by China Gold Coin Inc. from 1987 to 2005, they featured yearly-changing designs akin to their gold and silver counterparts. Minting ceased in 2005 due to escalating platinum prices, rendering remaining Platinum Pandas exceedingly rare and prized collectibles.

Palladium Panda Coins: The inaugural Palladium Panda debuted in 1989 with a minimal mintage, elevating its rarity above its gold and silver brethren. Similarly discontinued like the platinum series, Palladium Pandas are now scarce treasures sought after by collectors.

China Panda coins design

The China Panda Coins captivate enthusiasts with their ever-evolving, intricate designs showcasing the elusive panda. Setting a precedent, the Chinese Mint pioneered the release of sovereign gold bullion coins boasting annual design alterations. Each year unveils a fresh image of the coin’s reverse, enhancing its scarcity and allure to collectors. Remarkably, this image remains consistent across both gold and silver coin editions.

Past designs on the gold and silver panda coins have depicted pandas indulging in activities like munching bamboo, scaling trees, roaming in the wilderness, and nurturing their offspring. In 2001, the decision by the Chinese Mint to suspend design alterations sparked a considerable outcry from investors and collectors alike. However, by 2003, the tradition of annual design updates was reinstated.

While the reverse side features a new panda image annually, the obverse consistently showcases the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a venerable Taoist sanctuary steeped in Chinese history. This national monument has endured for centuries as a timeless emblem of Chinese culture.