Tips In Buying Chinese Gold Coins

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By Helene Norris


Some countries do many things to show off their economic might and prestige. Erecting huge monuments and public works that give the world something to marvel at and admire can be one way. Yet other countries go one step further by minting gold coins and bullion to really awe and inspire. This is what China has done in terms of their minting of Chinese gold coins or panda coins as they are known.

The Krugerrand rand started the craze in the trade and collection of gold coins and bullion when it was the first to be minted as a one ounce coin. This was done first in 1967 and the years that followed smaller ounce sizes were minted in one half, one fourth and one of a tenth ounce content denominations. The panda coin, like the first Krugerrand also comes in a one ounce size.

Even though the panda coin is minted in one ounce sizes, there is one unique characteristic of this Chinese gold coin. It is a coin that is minted in families, meaning that they are minted in sets from one twentieth of an ounce to one ounce all with differing weights but of same design. This is particularly attractive to a collector who looks for sets of one design but differing gold content.

In terms of aesthetics, the coin can be seen as not one of beauty at all. Like their views on Krugerrand, most collectors would probably say that it is quite a dull design. On the obverse side there is an etch of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and on the reverse side there is a panda design. The minting of these every year means that the reverse side designs are changed every year, and thus adds to the likability or the attractiveness of the coin.

The most popular sizes for investors and collectors are the one ounce sizes. The smaller sizes are more popular with artisans like jewelry smiths and designers. Most of the smaller coinages end up as pendants, earrings or even charms.

The one thing that collectors would say about the panda coin and its comparability to the Krugerrand in terms of attractiveness, is its price being relatively low compared to its actual gold content. Thus this makes it more attractive to have a panda coin. Other experts would beg to differ and would go against the Chinese coin pundits. Regardless of what the real case is, always be sure there is always an opinion for or against a certain investment or purchase.

If in the off chance that one is interested in buying these items, there are quite a few dealers to be found on the internet. Most will sell you coins by weight, meaning that they will sell you the coinage regardless of the mint date. Should you be more particular though, they may charge you a bit extra in giving you the exact date coinage you need, especially if you are a collector. It is interesting to note that at one time, 1982 series gold coins from China fetched up to 3,000 dollars per coin, from average prices of about 500 dollars per coin.

It is also best that you protect yourself from criminal activity and scams related to Chinese gold coins sales and investments. Be extra vigilant in doing background checks on those prospective sellers. Also train yourself also in knowing more history of what you are buying, as well as the ability to know distinct physical characteristics of the coinage that you buy like the number of serrations, special markings and other such characteristics.




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