The People’s Bank of China has authorised a set of Panda precious metal coins, the flagship products of the Chinese sovereign mint, in celebration of the iconic Panda series’ 40th anniversary on 20 October 2021. The range includes the first platinum Pandas to be released since 2005.
Struck in 99.95 per cent pure platinum and produced by Shanghai Gold Coin Investment Company, a subsidiary of China Gold Coin Incorporation, the 2022 platinum bullion Panda is available in two sizes - 30g and 1g. Both sizes are legal tender in China with face values of 1,000 Yuan and 30 Yuan respectively, as compared to the 30g and 1g 2022 gold bullion Pandas, which have a face value of 500 Yuan and 10 Yuan respectively.
With mintages limited to 10,000 for the 30g coin and 100,000 for the 1g coin, the 40th anniversary platinum Pandas are expected to appeal to collectors and investors alike. The coins that will be sold in China are being distributed by licensed retailers and banks, including Shanghai Gold Coin Investment Company’s online platform. Ten per cent of the coins’ total volume will be available outside of China.
The Panda series has a long and illustrious history and is known for its artistic design and advanced fabrication techniques, which have helped Panda coins win various awards in the global numismatic market.
This year’s obverse design features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, while the reverse depicts two panda cubs playing in the snow – a nod to China’s role as host nation of the forthcoming 2022 Winter Olympics. It is also the first time that the actual anniversary itself has been referenced in the coin’s design, with the incorporation of the number 40 on the reverse.
The 30g 2022 platinum bullion Panda - obverse
Interest in platinum
In recent years, China has experienced a burgeoning interest in platinum as an investment asset – a natural progression given the country’s innate appreciation of the unique chemical and physical properties of platinum and its place as the pre-eminent jewellery metal.
What is more, the inclusion of platinum in the 40th anniversary Panda coin range reflects increased global interest in platinum bullion products, especially coins, over the last eighteen months.
Indeed, the return of the platinum Panda may not be a one-off; should ongoing demand allow, Shanghai Gold Coin Investment Company could well retain the platinum Panda as a more regular addition to the series beyond 2022.
