Chinese culture is steeped in tradition. From the teachings of Confucius to the celebration of the New Year, the Chinese take pride in honoring their country, often employing symbols to convey the message. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the Panda has become a national symbol of China. The Panda has an even disposition and docile behavior, making it a symbol of peace and humility—an image that the Chinese government wanted to project to the world. As a result, when China decided to develop a new coin series for export in the 1970s, the Panda seemed a natural choice. 



The Chinese Panda Gold Bullion coin series was introduced in 1982. The coin gained instant popularity, and coin collectors rapidly sought out new issues. Receiving such a lively response, the Chinese Mint realized the immense potential of the Panda coin—no other bullion coin had ever inspired such a frenzy. The Chinese Panda Silver Bullion coin series was introduced just one year later, expanding on the popularity of the gold series. 



The gold bullion coins are 99.9% pure gold, and typically struck in five different sizes: 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/10 oz., and 1/20 oz. The coins also vary in denominations. Initially, the coins were struck in values of 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 Yuan, but these were later changed to 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 Yuan, respectively. The silver bullion coins were originally struck in one ounce, at 90% fine silver. The following year (1984), the coins were struck in 92.5% silver, then reverted to 90% composition in 1985. Eventually, in 1987, the coins were standardized and struck in 99.9% fine silver. Aside from the gold and silver bullion, Pandas have also been struck in platinum, palladium, copper and brass, in sizes from 1 gram up to 5 kilograms.

Because the Panda coins are bullion issues, the Chinese Mint guarantees their composition and value, and the coins have full legal tender status. Each has a low mintage and is struck to a very high quality—the coins are issued in Proof Brilliant Uncirculated quality. 

The obverse always features the Temple of Heaven, while the reverse design of the panda changes every year (with the exception of 2002—a freeze of the design was announced with the 2001 issues). Several mints produce these coins, including but not limited to: Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Shenyang. Unlike coins produced by U.S. mints, Chinese coins do not bear mint marks. In certain years there are subtle variations, such as the size of the date or the style of the temple. 

The obverse of the Panda coin depicts an important piece of Chinese history—the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was constructed in ancient times for the Winter Solstice harvest ceremonies. The Chinese believed that the Emperor was the Son of Heaven, and possessed the power to administer earthly matters on behalf of the Divine. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would make annual pilgrimages to the Temple to pray to heaven for good harvests. The round building represents the spherical dome of heaven, and the square plot of land it stands upon symbolizes the belief that the Earth is flat.

The reverse of the Panda coin features an often playful depiction of the panda. Munching intently on bamboo, walking gracefully through the forest, sitting pensively by the water’s edge, or lovingly watching over panda cubs, the images of the pandas vary decisively, but all celebrate China’s rich culture.

With its burgeoning economy, China has blossomed into a unique hybrid society that celebrates the present while cherishing the past. The Chinese Panda Coins reflect this dynamic, as they are constantly evolving, yet always honoring the cultural values and traditions of China. From only four sizes struck in gold in 1982, the Panda series has grown into one of the most popular and beautiful coins in numismatic history.