What Is The Panda Gold Coin?
Gold has always been the most popular precious metal in the world. Ever since people have discovered the yellow metal, they have used it in numerous ways and for various purposes. Its great potential as an investment opportunity has been seen even from the beginning and, either in the form of bullion or jewelry, people have bought or traded it. Later on, when the first gold coins were made, things got even better and simpler.
According to its definition, a gold coin is a coin made mostly or entirely of gold. Times have changed though and now gold coins don't have the same functions they had in the past. They are intended either for the passionate collectors' or for their use as bullion coins. This last type of coins does not have a relevant nominal value and are seen mainly as a method of investing in gold. 'Investment coins' is another term employed to designate them. Today, many nations worldwide mint bullion coins.
The Panda Gold Coin is an example of such a bullion coin and it was first introduced in 1982 by the People's Republic of China. It takes its name after to the Panda pictures on their surface, as a sign of appreciation to China's Giant Panda Bears, an endangered species. On the obverse of the coin there are a few characteristic elements: the Temple of Heaven in the center, with an inscription written in Chinese characters on top ('Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo' - 'People's Republic of China'), whereas the year of issue is mentioned at the bottom. When Panda coins are part from a series meant commemorate a certain event, the theme will be mentioned here also. On the reverse of the coin can be distinguished various depictions of panda bears. The design changes every year and in the coin's not so long history there's only one exception to this rule. The Panda gold coins issued in 2002 shared the same design with those from 2001. These Chinese gold coins also have various sizes and denominations: 1/20 troy oz. for the smallest and up to 1 troy oz. or even higher for the biggest.
In China, there are several mints which produce Panda gold, among which those from Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Shenyang. There is a difference between the way in which American and Chinese mints mark the coins. Coins produced by American mints carry mint-marks to distinguish their origin, whereas the Chinese coins do not usually have them. However, in certain years some specific details in the coin design (small variations in the size of the date, style of the temple etc.) make possible for the mint of origin to be determined.
The unique Panda Gold Coins are certainly an item much desired by everybody as both collectors and investors are fascinated by them. As an ideal investment or merely as a gift, buying gold coins offers the pleasure of a beautiful experience. This is why we should rely on professionals when making such an important decision as their advice is always valuable.
Article Source: FxTradingStock.com
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In times of recession learn from professionals how to buy gold bullion.
by: Jack Wogan
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Word Count: 509
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010
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