Winning Set Details

2011 Best Modern Set

13953 Points

Ailuropoda Melanoleuca

By Larry Dreher

The China panda is typically referred to as a bullion coin. This means that the coin is primarily minted and saved for the value of its precious metal content. Examples of popular bullion coins issued by other countries are the Eagle (USA), Maple Leaf (Canada) and Krugerrand (South Africa). While most bullion coins produced have a face value and are legal tender in their counties, the coins are not designed for circulation. Over time, the panda series has been minted using four different precious metals: gold, silver, platinum and palladium. The value of bullion coins typically fluctuates based on the underlying price of their precious metal content but also varies based on the coin’s rarity, quality, and demand from collectors. The panda series is interesting from a collecting standpoint for a number of reasons: First, the design of the coin changes from year to year. The date side of the coin (called the obverse ) features an image of the temple of heaven along with a year. This design is fairly consistent from year to year. The Panda side (called the reverse) changes significantly from year to year but always features one or more Pandas. This is in contrast to a coin like the American eagle where the design stays constant. Second, the coins are available in many different sizes. Silver pandas have been issued in weights ranging from ½ ounce to 1 kilogram. Third, there are many different varieties that make collecting interesting. These varieties have been introduced due to the fact that there are several different mints in China that produce the coins. These mints often produce slightly different variations of the coins. In US coinage, the coins from different mints are identified by mint marks like “D” for Denver and “P” for Philadelphia. In contrast, a Panda produced in one mint may have have a smaller date while a different mint might strike a larger date. Lastly, in my opinion the panda series represents an outstanding potential investment. The quantities of pandas produced were far less than other coins like the American Eagle. As coin collecting becomes more popular with the Chinese public, the potential for appreciation is incredible. One thing for novice collectors to watch out for is fake pandas. A large majority of pandas sold on ebay by chinese sellers are fake. There are a few honest sellers but it definately buyer beware on the wild west of ebay. That is one more reason to try to buy NGC or PCGS graded pandas to build your collection. Read more...

Ailuropoda Melanoleuca

By LarryDreher

Owner Comments:

Gallery

NGC Expert Comments:

This impressive collection is complete from 1989 through 2011. As its owner notes in his introduction, there are numerous varieties for many years, such as Small Date and Large Date, and these reflect the production of several Chinese mints. All of these varieties are featured in this collection. The grades are likewise outstanding, with the coins about equally divided between NGC grades of MS-69 and MS-70. Some particularly desirable entries include the 1991 Small Date and 1992 Large Date varieties, each grading MS-70.

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The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.