The Chinese Platinum Panda is a series of platinum coins of China produced from 1987 to 2005. The series is named after the image of giant panda printed on the reverse of all coins. The People's Bank of China minted 8,300 one-ounce Platinum Panda coins between 1987 and 1990, with a face value of 100 yuan. Additionally, 5,450 ounces (154.5 kg) of platinum were used for coins of smaller denominations in the 1990s through the first decade of the 21st century. Minting was discontinued in 2005, mostly due to the increasing price of platinum; while in 1990 the price was about US$490/oz, it crossed the $2,000 mark in the summer of 2008. All Platinum Pandas, except for coins of 2004–2005, are very rare and their availability cannot be judged from the minted volumes.
Mintages
+Platinum Panda (ratings and circulation) Year Value, Yuan Diameter, mm Weight, g # pcs. 1987 100 32 31.1 2,000 1988 1989 3,000 1990 1,300 50 27 15.55 2,500 25 22 7.8 3,500 10 18 3.1 4,500 1993 2,500 5 14 1.55 1994 10 18 3.1 5,000 1995 5 14 1.55 10,000 1996 10 18 3.1 2,500 5 14 1.55 5,000 1997 10 18 3.1 2,500 5 14 1.55 5,000 2002 100 18 3.1 20,000 2003 50 14 1.55 50,000 2004 2005 100 18 3.1 30,000
See also Chinese Gold Panda Chinese Silver Panda Platinum coin
References