1999 Gold Panda large/small Date Variety

gecko109

I believe that in the years 1997-1999 the gold panda series had large and small date varieties. These apply to all denominations from 1/20th oz up to the 1 oz. Here is a photo of the 1999 gold panda 1/10th oz showing this dramatic size difference in the date. But size isnt everything, right?

Edit: I just noticed how different the font on the front looks as well. The coin on the right appears to have thinner numbers/letters, whereas the coin on the left has a more bold font.

trozau

Just a WAG: I think the small and large date variety pretty much has something to do with where the coins were minted. There are 2 China Mint locations that the China Panda coins are struck: Shanghai and Shenyang. In 1987 they put the S and Y mint marks for Shanghai (S) and Shenyang (Y) minted Pandas. For all other years: No mint mark except fro the 2001 (D mintmark for China domestic release). Based on the 1987, I have found the Shenyang struck coins to be better than Shanghai struck coins. For the small and large date Pandas posted, it looks like the small date is Shanghai struck and the large date is Shenyang struck based on what to me looks like the better struck coin.

gecko109

I agree fully with your assesment. In hand, the large date variety is the better struck of the 2 coins. In fact, I have 2 large dates and 1 small date of this year and denomination, and both of the large date coins are superior. As a side note, even the mylar packaging is different for the 2 varieties. Fittingly enough, the small date is in a smaller pouch than the large date. These coins must have been made at different facilities.

trozau

And so even though there are no easy identifiable marks for the other years where there is no mint mark or small and large date to look for, you can tell by the better coin quality and strike from Shenyang. Best chance for higher TPG grades if you're into slabbing.

gecko109

Im into slabbing mostly to flip duplicates. I could care less if my personal collection comes with hard plastic. However, its undeniable that PCGS graded pandas bring much more money than raw examples. By the way, when you gonna sell me that 1990 platinum 1 ounce?

trozau

No plans of selling right now but when I do, I will give you first refusal. And that would extend to the 1982, as well.

gecko109

For my sake, I sure hope you catch me when im flush with cash!!!

trozau

Are you aware of this China Coin Forum? I registered but not much action, though.

gecko109

Its far too "dead" in there for me. Is the vault protector the coin with a hole in it? And what is its significance?

trozau

Yep. From the little that I know, Chinese mints minted very limited quantities of these coins as a charm to bring luck, good fortune and protect the Chinese emperor's treasury. They are placed in a special shrine of the treasury and of the emperor's lodging.