What’s the big deal with the large date 1997 1oz Gold Chinese Panda coin? Let us explain. Coin collectors and investors are very aware that small variations can make big differences in coin values and the 1997 large date gold Panda is no exception. From approximately 1987 through 2000, gold Panda coins were produced at two different mints in China. These mints are in Shanghai and Shenyang. The two facilities produced the same design each year, but there are some identifiable differences between the coins produced at each mint. The most easily distinguished difference is the typeface used for the date. As a result, these have become known as the "date varieties" and more specifically “large date” and “small date” coins.
The 1997 1oz Chinese gold Panda coin with the large date typeface was produced by the Shenyang mint. According to the Bank of China there have been approximately 31,000 1oz gold Panda coins minted (including both large and small dates).
Whether its bullion or collectible coins you will always find the best value at Gainesville Coins, contact us today for the 1 oz size Gold Panda Coin pricing, the latest on new arrivals and information on our in-house segregated storage service.
Specifications
| IRA Eligible: |
Yes |
| Gold Content: |
1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Composition: |
24 karat (99.9% fine) |
| Weight: |
1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter: |
32 mm |
| Thickness: |
2.7 mm |
| Grade: |
Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Year: |
1997 |
| Denomination: |
100 Yuan |
| Mint: |
People’s Bank of China / China Gold Coin Incorporation |
Obverse/Front Design
The obverse side has largely remained unchanged between 1982 and 1991; however, the design illustrating the Temple of Heaven in Beijing has been enclosed within an inner circle since 1992. The inscription references “People’s Republic of China” (in Chinese) and the year in which the coin was minted below the Temple.
The Temple of Heaven (“TianTan”) is in a large park in Beijing which measures approximately 273 hectares. The most important building is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (which can be seen on the coin), which dates back to 1420 during the Ming dynasty. Chinese Emperors were accustomed to come to TianTan each year in early spring to pray for abundant harvests and national prosperity.
Reverse/Back Design
The reverse side of the Chinese Panda gold coin is unique in that aside from always featuring a giant Panda bear(s), the portrait of the Panda changes every year. The 1997 1oz gold Chinese Panda coin features the cute and cuddly bear looking out at the horizon from a fork at the top of a tree.
The People’s Bank of China
The People’s Bank of China (PBC) was established in 1948. China Gold Coin Incorporation (CGCI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the PBC. CGCI is responsible for designing China’s precious metal coins, as well as for their sale and marketing worldwide including the Gold Panda bullion coins. Since 2005, Gold Panda bullion coins have all been manufactured at the Shenzhen Guobao Mint, which is owned by CGCI and located about 1,800 km south of Beijing.
The 1oz Gold Chinese Panda Coin is IRA Eligible
For more information on Precious Metal IRAs, please visit our IRA Page: Precious Metal IRA
Fun Facts
For years, scientists could not agree on what kind of animal giant pandas were. Some thought it was a raccoon because it has front paws to hold food, or a bear because of its body shape. Some scientists even believed the panda was some type of large cat. DNA testing has confirmed that the panda is definitely a bear!