A Brief Mint History
The Central Mint of China manufactures some of the world’s most attractive gold and silver coins. Their high precious metal content and annual design changes make them extremely popular among collectors.
Originally called the Shanghai Mint, it was established in 1920 in Shanghai. In 1928, after Northern Expedition Forces took over Shanghai, the mint was renamed the Central Mint of China (CMC). In 1933, the mint began producing circulated coins.
In 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War began, prompting the Chinese government to spread the mint into several branches across the country. The new locations included Wuchang, Chengdu, Kuailin, Lanjou, and Qunming.
After the war was won in 1946, the company moved back to Shanghai, but this was short-lived. In 1949, Shanghai was once again taken over, this time by Communists. Part of the CM fled to Taiwan but had to leave behind some equipment and personnel. What remained in Shanghai was claimed by the Communists and reorganized as “the People’s Mint.”
The CMC remains in Taiwan to this day as a subordinate of the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Its headquarters are in the Guishan Township. Today, it is more commonly referred to as the Chinese or China Mint.
Popular Mint Products
The Central Mint of China creates some of the most sought-after coins in the world. They have high purity levels, and collectors enjoy the unique designs.
Some of the most popular coins from the Central Mint of China are the 1 oz Gold Pandas, 1/10 oz Gold Pandas, and the 1 oz Silver Pandas.
These coins depict traditional motifs, such as pandas and the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
The Pandas are the only known bullion coins in the world that are issued in grams instead of ounces. In 2016, the silver and gold Panda Series changed to match the metric system. Instead of sizes such as 1 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1/10 oz, Panda coins now contain 30 grams, 15 grams, and 3 grams, respectively. However, the purity did not change. Instead, these coins are more transferrable on the world market than before.
Timeless Designs
The Chinese Panda series began with a gold coin in 1982, followed by silver in 1983. This series has stood the test of time due to its quality gold and silver content and iconic designs.
Each year, the reverse depicts the animal most closely associated with China: the giant panda. Sometimes, a single panda is shown; other times, an adult and cub may be used, but all coins feature exceptional detail of the beloved animal.
In 2019, the cub featured on the coins (see the silver image above) is said to have become the mother shown on the 2024 coins, telling the story of the continued legacy of giant pandas and highlighting their gradual comeback from being endangered.
Depending on where the coin was minted, the design varies slightly from each location, with different font sizes, bamboo lengths, or temple designs. These subtle differences make the Panda coins highly collectible, as many people who enjoy them make a point of getting all of the variations from each mint to create an annual set.
The obverse of each coin depicts the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, bringing in another timeless Chinese element.
Variety of Functions
The Central Mint of China performs a series of critical functions. It has weathered war and hardship and has become an essential part of the Chinese economy. Primary business-related functions at the Central Mint of China include:
- Minting and manufacturing both circulation and commemorative coins
- Recycling coins previously in circulation
- Producing medals and additional casting products
