1 oz China Gold Panda – BU – Unsealed (Year Varies)

The 1 oz China Gold Panda coin is a distinctive bullion coin produced by the People’s Republic of China.¹ It is highly sought after by both investors and collectors due to its unique characteristics.² The “Year Varies” designation means the specific year of the coin will be a random selection from the dealer’s inventory.

Key Features:

• Purity: The coin is made from .999 fine gold (24 karat).³

   

• Weight: In 2015 and earlier years, the coin weighed 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams).⁴ Starting in 2016, the Chinese Mint switched to a metric weight system, and the 1 oz coin was replaced with a 30-gram version.⁵

   

• BU (Brilliant Uncirculated): This term refers to the coin’s condition.⁶ A Brilliant Uncirculated coin has never been in circulation and retains its original mint luster and sharp, well-defined details.⁷

   

• Unsealed: This means the coin is not in its original, sealed plastic pouch from the mint. While many dealers sell new Panda coins in their sealed packaging, an “unsealed” coin has been removed from this protective plastic. This can happen for various reasons, such as for grading purposes or to allow for physical examination.⁸

   

• Annually Changing Panda Design: With the exception of 2001 and 2002, the reverse side of the coin features a new, artistic depiction of a giant panda each year.⁹ This unique feature adds a numismatic or collectible value to the coin beyond its pure gold content.¹⁰

   

• Obverse Design: The obverse (front) of the coin consistently features the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests, a famous building within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing.¹¹ The year of issue and the Chinese characters for “People’s Republic of China” are also inscribed on this side.¹²

   

Investment Considerations:

• Premium: The China Gold Panda often has a slightly higher premium over the gold spot price compared to other well-known bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. This is due to its lower mintage figures and high demand from both investors and collectors.
• IRA Eligibility: The China Gold Panda’s .999 purity makes it a viable option for a precious metals IRA.¹³

   

• Liquidity: The coin is internationally recognized, ensuring its easy purchase and sale in the global bullion market.¹⁴

   

• Unsealed Condition: While “unsealed” coins are still considered bullion, they may not be as appealing to numismatic collectors who prefer the original sealed packaging. Consequently, they may be offered at a slightly lower premium than their sealed counterparts.