Silver Panda 2013
The Chinese government began striking Silver Chinese Pandas in 1983 (Gold in 1982). 2013 marks the 30th edition of the Panda Silver Coin Series mint by the People’s Bank of China (proper name for the Central Bank of China). No silver Pandas were issued in 1986.
^ The first Silver Panda, Panda 1983
In 1983 that 10,000 Proof Silver Pandas were minted. The coin had a 10 Yuan denomination. It weighed 27 Grams of 90% Silver purity. Compare that silver weight and purity to today’s 31.1 Grams (or 1 troy ounce) of .999 Silver Pandas.
The reverse of the coin depicts the denomination and the picture of a panda bear. The annually changing (except for 2001 and 2002, which share the same design) and more complex, embossing technique produced motive especially developed for this coin makes the coin interesting for collectors.
The Obverse has the depiction of the “Temple of Heaven” in the center with Chinese characters on top saying “Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo” “中華人民共和國” meaning People’s Republic of China and the bottom the year of issue. If the issue is a commemorative issue, the theme will be marked here also.
These coins trade at a higher premium then American Silver Eagles and Canadian Silver Maple Leafs but also come in better packaging and are extremely well struck. The attention to detail in each years design is outstanding and it is easy to see why this coin has remained popular for over 20 years.
^ Three Pandas for 30 years of Silver Pandas
2013 Silver panda has 3 Pandas on it. It was said to signify the 3 decades of minting of the series. Here’s to 3 healthy looking pandas! Two of them maybe heading to Malaysia soon.
Chinese Panda Mintage Numbers
The Chinese Panda mintage has been exploding in recent years leaving the old designs very valuable. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for previous designs, especially if the coin is in pristine condition. The historical mintage numbers for the Chinese Panda are as follows.
2012 Panda 8,000,000 (Projected Mintage)
2011 Panda 6,000,000
2010 Panda 800,000
2009 Panda 300,000 (30th anniversary)
2009 Panda 600,000
2008 Panda 600,000
2007 Panda 600,000
2006 Panda 600,000
2005 Panda 600,000
2004 Panda 600,000
2003 Panda 600,000
2002 Panda 500,000
2001 Panda 500,000
2000 Panda 500,000
1999 Panda unknown
1998 Panda 250,000
1997 Panda 250,000
1996 Panda 250,000
1995 Panda 250,000
1994 Panda 120,000
1993 Panda 120,000
1992 Panda 100,000
1991 Panda 100,000
1990 Panda 200,000
1989 Panda 255,000
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