1987 Silver Proof Panda

The 1987 Silver Proof Panda coin the the first 1 troy ounce Silver Panda coin being produced.

Diameter - 40 mm

Planned Mintage - 31,000

Actual Mintage - 30,720

Mint - Shen Yang Mint

Transacted Prices:

Coin in capsule - S$274.29 (US$188.13) (6)

Double-sealed coin - S$231.77 (US$159)

NGC PF66 UCAM - S$188.87 (US$110.58)

NGC PF67 UCAM - S$249.65 (US$168.66)

NGC PF69 UCAM - S$491.77 (US$317.50) (2)

PCGS PR68 DCAM - S$304.76 (US$202.50)

It is not surprising that the double-seal costs less than the coin in capsule as there was only 1 transaction. From March to September, there were 6 coins in capsule transacted with prices ranging from S$248 to S$345 (nearly 40% increase). The graded coin prices may not be a good judgement for current prices as those were transacted from January to June. No transactions were made after June. However, it can be a good indication for good buy if you manage to find one selling at these prices.

The 1987 Silver Proof Panda was also issued as a set of 1 and 5 oz box set with COA.

Average Transacted Prices:

Set without COA - S$489.10 (US$354.21) (3 sets)

Set with COA - S$565.91 (US$397.89) (23 sets)

Price range (Jan- Nov 2010): S$440 - 857

Based on current prices, S$550 and below indicates a good buy.

1983 Silver Proof Panda

The inaugural Silver Panda coin was minted in 1983 - a year after the first Gold Panda coin was minted.

Diameter of 38.6mm, weighing just 27 g and fineness of 90%, the proof issue had a mintage of only 10,000. It was minted by Shanghai Mint and was packaged doubled-sealed in a box with Certificate of Authenticity (COA). However, it is not known what the issue price was back then.

Over the years, as the coins changed hands, it became more difficult to find a coin that has the original issued packaging. Hence, collectors are willing to pay more for original coin with COA than a coin that is not top graded.

There were less than 10 of this coin transacted in ebay for worldwide shipping.

Transacted prices as follows:

Coin in capsule - S$1,848.07 (US$1,336.00)

Double-sealed coin - S$1,682.88 (US$1,204.56)

Coin in capsule with COA & box - S$1,850.00 (US$1,413.89)

Double-sealed with COA & box - S$1,969.39 (US$1,400.00)

PCGS PR68 DCAM - S$1,593.14 (US$1,126.21)

NGC PF69 UCAM - S$4,662.08 (US$3,400.00)

There were 3 double-sealed coins transacted in January, July and lately, October. The increase in price from January to July and July to October was about 11% and 18% respectively, resulting in an overall increase of about 32%.

A similar percentage of increase is also observed for the original double-sealed coin with COA and box. Such a coin was transacted on 4 Aug 2009 for S$1,381, hence, accounting for nearly 34% increase. With less than 10,000 of such coins changing hands, there is a lot of potential for the 27 g coin to make another 35% gain in 2011.

2010 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda (Coin Specifications)

The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) in blue fonts

2010 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda Obverse

2010 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda Reverse

2009 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda (Coin Specifications)

Coin Specifications

Diameter - 70 mm

Weight (including capsule) - 187.7 g or 6.035 oz.t

Face Value - 50 Yuan

Fineness - 99.9%

Finish - Proof

Maximum mintage - 10,000

The Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

Counterfeit coin makers have become more advanced and more informed in printing COAs. Not only they align the correct name of the Governor of The People's Bank of China but also included the water mark on the paper, which shows a sitting Panda. However, the genuine water mark has slight imprint on the paper and that is probably the only difference.

2009 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda Obverse

2009 5 oz Chinese Silver Panda Reverse

As seen from above, the coin is housed in a special inter-locking capsule that locks and unlocks by turning.