The Chinese Panda series launched in 1982 as one of the first bullion programs issued by the People's Republic, arriving shortly after China reopened its doors to foreign trade and hard currency investment. Each annual issue carries a new design — a deliberate policy decision that made the series a collector driver from the outset, and one that distinguished it sharply from the static imagery used by the U.S. Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf programs.
This 2007 anniversary issue marks twenty-five years of that policy. The .999 fineness specification, rather than the .900 used on early issues, reflects a standard shift made during the 1990s to compete directly with other fine bullion markets.
The Chinese Panda series launched in 1982 as one of the first bullion programs issued by the People's Republic, arriving shortly after China reopened its doors to foreign trade and hard currency investment. Each annual issue carries a new design — a deliberate policy decision that made the series a collector driver from the outset, and one that distinguished it sharply from the static imagery used by the U.S. Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf programs.
This 2007 anniversary issue marks twenty-five years of that policy. The .999 fineness specification, rather than the .900 used on early issues, reflects a standard shift made during the 1990s to compete directly with other fine bullion markets.