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Perhaps the most widely known series of collectable precious metal coins produced by the People's Bank of China is the Panda series, which continues to attract the avid attention of the international numismatic community. The first of this series was issued in 1982 and, although in the first year the issues were only made of gold, have since been produced every year in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, bi-metallic, platinum, and palladium. Three brass Pandas were issued, but discontinued after 1984. While the gold and silver Pandas have been produced every year (with the exception of 1982, as previously mentioned), the palladium and platinum Pandas were issued with much smaller mintages, especially the palladium ones, and only in certain years. Only three palladium coins were produced as part of the Panda series. These were the 1 oz coin in 1989, and two 1/2 oz coins of 2004 and 2005. They are all relatively scarce with mintages of 3,000; 3,000; and 8,000 respectively. Despite this, a collector will find it much easier and cheaper to acquire a complete set of palladium Pandas than a complete set of platinum ones, mainly due to the fact that there are only three coins required to complete the palladium set. The platinum coins were issued in thirteen years, between 1987 and 1990; between 1993 and 1997; and between 2002 and 2005. The mintages of the earlier platinum Pandas were relatively low - all typically below 10,000 - however those issued in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 have much higher mintages of 20,000; 50,000; 50,000; and 300,000 respectively. Other popular choices of sets to acquire among collectors are the four 1 oz platinum coins issued between 1987 and 1990; or one of each of the 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz platinum coins ever produced. The latter may prove particularly challenging for collectors, as the six 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz pieces issued between 1993 and 1997 are seldom seen for sale and are extremely rare and valuable. The platinum and palladium panda coins are highly sought after by collectors today, possibly because of the worldwide fascination with the endangered creatures featured on their reverse faces, or because of the innate desire to own a tangible piece of the rare metals from which they are made. It is most likely to be a combination of these two reasons. Whether as an investor or a collector, the platinum and palladium Panda coins are an attractive purchase. With the exception of the rarest pieces, the majority tend to be valued around their bullion price and so are suitable for investors. Collectors and enthusiasts may also choose to pursue the more elusive ones.
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