No matter the market conditions, gold coins typically remain valuable assets. They can hedge against inflation and be sold easily if you need cash. Those are just a couple of the reasons investors and collectors consider gold coins to be a good investment.
The Chinese panda gold coin sits among the top gold coins sought around the globe. If you’re just starting to invest in gold bullion, the Chinese gold panda coin could be one to consider. Here’s an in-depth look at how to invest in the Chinese panda gold coin.
What Are Chinese Panda Gold Coins?
The Chinese government released the Chinese panda gold coin in 1982, making it the third gold bullion coin to hit the global market after the South African gold Krugerrand and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. The production and release of the golden panda placed China on the world stage as a major player in the global precious metals market.
Through the iconic image of its native panda bear, China hoped to promote Chinese culture and capitalize on investors and collectors worldwide buying gold bullion coins. Known for its high purity and intricate design that changes yearly, the Gold Panda coin became a favorite of investors and collectors alike.
While low mintages add to its value for collectors, the Chinese panda gold coin can become even rarer to find outside China because of demand from residents within the world’s second-most populated country. The golden panda consistently ranks globally in the top 10 gold coins for investment.
Brief History of Chinese Panda Gold Coins
For 43 years, the People’s Republic of China has minted a gold coin Chinese people can take pride in. The Chinese panda gold coin continues China’s centuries-long history of using “panda diplomacy” – the playful bear’s symbolic representation of peace, friendship and goodwill – to promote a positive image to the world.
The first gold coin to feature China’s national animal was designed by Chen Jian, a Shanghai artist. The Chinese Gold Coin Corporation (CGCC) mints the coin.
The obverse always shows the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Except for 2002, the reverse depiction of a panda has changed every year, adding to its allure and value. The Chinese panda gold coin further distinguished itself from other gold coins in 2016 when it switched from the traditional troy ounce to the metric gram.
Here are the former sizes and their rough equivalents:
- 1/20 ounce: 1 gram
- 1/10 ounce: 3 grams
- 1/4 ounce: 8 grams
- 1/2 ounce: 15 grams
- 1 ounce: 30 grams
Before the change, China minted a 1-gram Chinese Gold Panda coin in 1991 as part of its Panda Gram series. The CGCC also has long minted a 1-kilogram Chinese panda gold coin, and it grabbed the attention of gold buyers when it minted just 55,539 of the 1985 Chinese panda gold coins.
Current Value of Chinese Panda Gold Coins
Gold’s spot price on Feb. 20, 2025, was $2,968.35 per ounce, or $95.43 per gram. While each Chinese panda gold coin has a face value as legal tender in China, its gold content gives the Chinese panda gold coin value as an investment.
Based on $95.43 per gram, here are typical golden panda coins and their approximate market values:
- 1 g Chinese panda gold coin (face value 20 yuan): US$95.43
- 3 g Chinese panda gold coin (face value 50 yuan): US$286.29
- 8 g Chinese panda gold coin (face value 100 yuan): US$763.44
- 15 g Chinese panda gold coin (face value 200 yuan): US$1,431.45
- 30 g Chinese panda gold coin (face value 500 yuan): US$2,862.90
The value of the Gold Panda coins you sell or buy can depend on the mintage, the year, the condition of the coins and the premium you pay.
How to Buy Chinese Panda Gold Coins
You can buy Chinese panda gold coins from several online dealers, including APMEX, Kitco, JM Bullion, ModernCoinMart, StoneX Bullion, Suisse Gold and Vermillion Enterprises. Panda America was established in 1982 to be the official Chinese panda gold coin distributor but has expanded to sell other products and represent several global mints.
Step 1: Open an Account
To buy Chinese panda gold coins from Panda America, click “Sign Up” next to “My Account.” Fill in your email, create a password and type in your name, address, company name and phone number. Click the CAPTCHA to prove you’re not a robot, then click “Create Account.” A splash screen verifies you created an account. Click “Continue Shopping.”
Step 2: Choose the Gold Coins You Want to Buy
On the next page, scroll down, and the link to shop for Gold Pandas will be on your left. Click on “Shop Pandas,” review the available coins and click on the image of the one you want to buy. Click on the images on the left side to view the front and back of the coin. Scroll down, click the “Specifications” tab and read about the coin. Click “Add to Cart” and then “Check Out.”
Step 3: Make Your Purchase
Here’s how to finish your purchase on the checkout page:
- Review your order summary
- Select the insured shipping you want – standard or priority
- Click “Continue”
- Check your shipping and billing addresses
- Select how to pay
- Click “Place Order”
You will receive an email confirmation, and your gold coins will be shipped after your payment clears. For coins that are in stock, they will arrive within 10 business days.
How to Trade or Sell Chinese Panda Gold Coins
You can sell your Chinese panda gold coins in person to local dealers or pawn shops or you can sell your gold coins online. The key is to research and work with a reputable dealer, someone with good reviews from customers and a good rating from the Better Business Bureau. Typically, you’ll get the highest price from online dealers.
To get the best deal and safeguard your transaction, be aware of the gold’s market price and inspect your coins or have them professionally graded to verify their authenticity. This can help prepare you to negotiate with a reputable dealer.
Consider Buying Chinese Panda Gold Coins
If you’re just beginning to invest in gold bullion, coins can make a sensible investment to diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation. The Chinese panda gold coin is considered one of the top gold coins for investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese panda gold coins a good investment?
Investors and collectors have sought the Chinese panda gold coin because of its fine gold, limited mintage and annually changing design. The coins have appreciated significantly over time.
How much is a panda coin worth today?
One-ounce panda coins minted in 1999 and earlier had a face value of 100 yuan (~US$14) and 500 yuan (~US$70) since 2000. However, with gold trading at US$95.43 per gram on Feb. 20, 2025, the 30-gram panda gold coin – the rough equivalent of a one-troy-ounce gold coin – could be worth about US$2,862.90.
How much gold is in a Chinese panda?
The fineness of the gold in each Chinese panda gold coin is 99.9% pure, although early mintings might be less pure. However, the amount of gold in each depends on the coin’s size, which the Chinese began measuring in metrics (grams) instead of the traditional troy ounce in 2016.