Rarest Panda Coin is Offered for the First Time in Over 20 Years -- Coin News -- Panda America Online Catalog

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.

# # #
Prepared by Mel Wacks