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While circulated modern Chinese coins may be the focus of some numismatists, it is the commemorative, precious metal, modern Chinese coins that are issued annually by the People's Bank of China which attract the most attention from collectors and investors. The People's Bank of China issued its first set of commemorative coins in 1979 celebrating the Year of the Child, a concept which was proposed by the government of the Philippines via the United Nations to promote international child welfare. When these precious metal coins were first issued there were strict regulations in place in China on how much of a particular precious metal citizens could own. As a result, the coins were sold almost exclusively abroad in collaboration with foreign distributors. Now that these regulations have been loosened somewhat, many coins have gradually made their way back to China and into the collections of Chinese investors and hobbyists. Since then, coins have been produced every year in all shapes, sizes and denominations in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, some brass coins, and some bi-metallic pieces. Shapes vary from round, to rectangular, to plum blossom-shaped (to name but a few). Coins also are produced with varying quality, including proof, brilliant uncirculated, and piedfort - or double weight and thickness. Purity or fineness also varies, as well as the number produced - known as mintage. The focus of these commemorative series also varies widely. Some are issued on an annual basis and continue to be extremely popular, such as the internationally famous panda series, and the lunar series, which features a different animal of the Chinese zodiac depending on the year. Other series ran for only a short period of time such as the inventions and discoveries series - which lasted five years - and the unicorn series - which lasted four, while other series are issued on a one-off basis commemorating concepts like the Year of Peace in 1986, or the 100th anniversary of the Chinese film industry in 2005. While there are some very rare pieces out there which on their own are extremely valuable, some are quite common and affordable. Their potential value is not to be underestimated though as these coins often fulfill their value when they complete a collectable set or series. As you can see, the vast array of modern Chinese commemorative coins that are available for acquisition gives great scope for collectors, and makes this rewarding and fun pastime suitable for anyone, regardless of how much money or time you have at your disposal to invest in it. "Many panda coins are rare in the market. These rare coin are quite popular collector items and are considered good investments. There are some online sites that buy and sell these prized coins, they buys these lunar coins and takes care of its shipping and insurance from your home to theirs."
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