Bullion

1996 China 1 oz Silver Panda Large Date BU (Sealed)

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The 1996 silver ten yuan coin offers a captivating glimpse into a beloved annual series that first began in 1983. Apart from a brief pause in 1986 and a repeated design in 2002, these issues present a fresh illustration every year. This specific release features a charming scene on its reverse, depicting an adult panda alongside its young offspring resting near bamboo stalks. This side also displays the weight and the metal purity, marked as one ounce of 0.999 fine silver. On the obverse, the coin showcases the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests, located within Beijing's historic Temple of Heaven. Surrounding this architectural landmark are Chinese characters representing the People's Republic of China, accompanied by the 1996 year of issue. Produced across three different facilities in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Shenyang, these coins carry no mint marks. Instead, subtle design variations exist between the locations, making each strike a unique subject of study. Backed fully by the People's Bank of China, this issue had a total mintage of 106,000 pieces, presenting a fascinating combination of artistry and variation for observers to explore.