Monday out on a limb

Nov 7, 2016 | coins, panda, silver

We all have our bromides we use to describe Mondays. We have a love-hate relationship with Mondays. Those who love Mondays see it as a new beginning and to start the week on a high note. Others see is as another week of more of the same and another way for things to get worse.

As for me, I make sure I get enough coffee so that I can make it through just about anything.

Rather than dwell on the fact it is Monday and that there is a lot of news even before the day begins, I would rather start with something better. Prettier. More pleasing than anything else. I give you the 2016 Panda silver bullion coin just added to my collection.

The People’s Bank of China, through its subsidiary Panda Gold Coin, have been striking bullion coins with the image of a panda since 1982. Up until 1999, the images have been almost cartoon-like in nature. Starting in 2000, they hired a new artist who turned the panda image into a fantastic work of art.

The skill of the artist and die makers combine matte and shiny images with fine details to come up with an image that not only endures but keeps these coins selling at a premium. Even with their higher mintages since 2010, I have seen sales of the silver coin up to three-times its original sale value.

Making it more of an interesting coin if you want to collect and have a nice investment is that even with the weight change in 2015. Prior to 2015, the coin was made of one troy ounce of silver or about 31.1 grams. Starting in 2015, the coin was struck using 30 grams of silver.

When the change was discovered after not being officially announced, the industry was up in arms. Why? Because some felt they were being short-changed on 1.1 grams of silver for the same price, sort of like paying for 12 ounces of coffee that comes in the same 16-ounce can (I remember back when that was a newsworthy topic). At the current price spot price of $18.41 per troy ounce, 1.1 grams of silver is only 65-cents.

Somehow, I don’t think 65-cents is going to make a difference in the beauty of the coin.

Rather than worry about 1.1 grams of silver, I just love the coins and was able to purchase one this weekend. As for Monday, I would rather look at the beauty of the panda climbing out on a limb than whatever limb I end up climbing!

25 Years of Chinese Panda Coins

Jan 30, 2007 | coins, foreign, panda

The People’s Bank of China announced that they will issue a set of commemorative Panda bullion coins in gold and silver to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of issuing the Panda bullion coins. Released on January 25, the coins will feature the different reverse designs of the Panda silver and gold coins for the last 25 years. The obverse of the coin will feature the Hall of Praying for Good Harvest of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the title of the People’s Republic of China, year 2007, the Chinese characters that will translate to “Chinese Panda Gold (or Silver) Coin Commemorating its 25th Anniversary.”

The 1/25th ounce .999 gold Panda anniversary coins will be 12mm in diameter and have a face value of 15 yuan. Mintage is limited to 18,000 of each coin.

The quarter-ounce .999 silver Panda anniversary coins will be 25mm in diameter and have a face value of 3 yuan. Mintage is limited to 30,000 of each coin.

Both gold and silver coins were minted by Shenzhen Guobao Mint, Shanghai Mint, and Shenyang Mint. China Gold Coin, Inc. will distribute these coins for The People’s Bank starting January 25, 2007.

I have written in the past of my appreciation for the silver Panda coins. And like a lot of people, I also appreciate the cuddly look of the Giant Panda. Although I am interested in purchasing a silver set, the price may be an issue. As I was searching the Internet for availability, I saw one major dealer who has set pre-sale prices at $399 for the silver set and $1,199 for the gold. As they are distributed to other US dealers, I will compare prices looking for the best deal.

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