China
introduced its gold Panda coins in 1982, but unbeknownst
to all but a handful of people, just 5 Gem Brilliant Uncirculated
platinum Pandas were struck from the 1 oz. gold dies ...
with the added inscription "Trial Strike" in Chinese.
One of these platinum Pandas was given to each of the three
official distributors, and 2 were retained by Chinese officials.
Now, for the first time in over 20 years, one of these platinum
trial strikes is available in the marketplace. This coin
has never before exchanged hands, and is being offered by
one of the original distributors of Panda coins - PandaAmerica.
Matin Weiss, President of PandaAmerica, indicates that "The
1982 platinum Panda is the rarest Panda coin … perhaps
equivalent to the 1804 Silver Dollar. Except more 1804 Silver
Dollars exist."
The
1982 platinum Panda is not yet listed in any catalog. The
asking price on PandaAmerica's web site www.pandaamerica.com
is $100,000. Inquiries can be made by calling 800-4-PANDAS
or writing PandaAmerica, 3460 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100,
Torrance, CA 90503.
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Prepared by Mel Wacks
