Numismatic

1988 China 5 oz Silver Panda Proof Hong Kong Exposition | Dragon

---

In 1988, the People's Bank of China released a remarkable silver commemorative piece to mark the occasion of the 7th International Coin Exposition in Hong Kong. This substantial issue contains five troy ounces of 0.999 fine silver, struck with a brilliant proof finish that highlights its intricate artistry. With a highly restricted mintage of just 1,000 pieces, it stands as a scarce and intriguing artifact of late twentieth-century Chinese minting. The obverse of this impressive issue depicts a lively scene where pandas participate in a traditional dragon dance, maneuvering a long, serpentine dragon. Inscriptions on this side clearly record its precious metal specifications, showing the purity and weight as 0.999 and 5 ounces. On the reverse, the design focuses on a detailed rendering of a dragon's head. Surrounding this central image are the English inscriptions commemorating "The 7th International Coin Exposition Hong Kong" along with the year "1988". This dual-themed celebration of Chinese culture and numismatic gathering makes the issue a fascinating study for those exploring modern commemorative history.