Peter Anthony: The 1984 12 oz. gold 1000 Yuan gold Panda is the first larger than 1 oz. coin in the series. This coin was created in response to a request to the China Mint from one of its early dealer-distributors, Martin Weiss of Panda America. The coin’s design is by the Shanghai artist Chen Jian. The mintage was 250. These were distributed exclusively by Panda America and were rapidly sold out.

Unfortunately, these early 12 oz. gold Panda coins are nearly always marred by nicks, abrasions and handling marks. As a result the average NGC-graded coin is only a Proof-63. The highest graded coin, thus far, is a Proof-67. Even so these coins are both charming and rare and have always been popular with collectors. They are one of the real landmark coins of the Panda series.