Sign In or Create Account

Knowledge Center

Central Mint of China

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 changes in design make these coins extremely popular among collectors.

The Central Mint of China was first established in 1920 in Shanghai and began producing circulating coins 13 years later. 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. In 1949, the mint went with the Chinese government when it moved to Taiwan.

30 Gram Silver Panda
Gold Panda

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.

Each of these coins depicts traditional motifs like pandas and the Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

In 2016, both the Silver & 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 even 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 along with the iconic designs. Each year depicts the animal most closely associated with china: the great panda. Sometimes a single panda is shown, other times may use an adult and cub, but all coins feature exceptional detail of the beloved animal. 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.

Two Dragons Coin

Variety of Functions

The Central Mint of China performs a series of key functions. It has weathered war and hardship and has become an essential part of the Chinese economy. Major 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

Expand your collection today and shop our assortment of products from the Central Mint of China.

Explore More On APMEX

Silver

Platinum

Rare Coins