Peter Anthony: The 1995 100 Yuan 1 oz. proof gold Panda marks the return of the 1 oz. gold proof coin to the Panda series. The 100 Yuan denomination had been dropped from the annual five-coin proof sets in 1993. In 1995 the five-coin proof sets themselves were discontinued in favor of a three-coin bimetallic proof set. At the same time, however, the China Mint revived the popular one oz. size in proof state and offered it for sale as a solo coin, not as part of a set. This coin has shares its charming design only with the 1995 one oz. proof silver Panda and both are quite popular with collectors. The coin features a single young Panda next to a stream. The actual mintage is reportedly well below the announced mintage.
The 1995 100 Yuan proofs tend to grade well if they have not been mishandled. Most rate as PF-69 or MS-70 with a small minority of PF-68 or lower. Red spots are a common problem on all unconserved 1995 gold Pandas.
The 1995 100 Yuan 1 oz. proof gold Panda is part of the "Gold 1 Ounce Panda, 1983-Date, Mint State and Proof." NGC Registry set.