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500 Yuan Return of Hong Kong to China
| Issuer | People's Republic of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1996 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 60 mm |
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| Obverse description | Central view of Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) in Beijing, depicted in fine relief with its characteristic red facade, central archway, and portrait rostrum, flanked by decorative peony blossoms in the lower field. A ceremonial ornamental column (huabiao) rises to the right of the gate. The inscription 中华人民共和国 (People's Republic of China) arcs along the upper periphery in Chinese characters. The year of issue, 1996, appears in the lower exergue. |
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| Obverse lettering | 中华人民共和国 1996 |
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| Additional information |
Issued to mark the anticipated handover of Hong Kong, which would not formally occur until July 1, 1997 — this coin preceded the event by a full year, reflecting Beijing's confidence in the conclusion of negotiations that had been running since the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984. The 155.5g weight is exactly five troy ounces, a deliberate specification for the bullion collector market rather than any ceremonial necessity.
KM#958 is one of several denominations in the handover series. The five-ounce format was the largest struck in .999 gold for this release.