World Gold Coins Collecting Guide

The first gold coins made an appearance in the 6th century, BC at about the same time in both Asia and Europe. In the region of ancient China, the earliest gold coins had been cast in the Chu State, in about the same time period. The coins were round with had a square hole in the center. These Chinese gold coins were inscribed with Yuan Ying, Ying for the Chu State capitol and Yuan which means money in the Chinese language.

In 1982 the Republic of China's Panda series of gold coins was hugely successful. The United States response to the gold coins with their cute and cuddly panda images was extremely favorable, hence the principle of a premium priced gold coin was founded. By 1987 coin enthusiasts interest in the Panda coins was extremely high and because of the high interest, the 1982 Pandas were known to trade for more than $3000 at times. The Chinese went on to create a continuous demand for the coins in spite of the market rate of gold by transforming the design on the coins on a yearly basis. The gold Pandas are not just used coinage; they are quite frequently used in the creation of jewelry like bracelets and necklaces.

The Panda gold coins continued to be released by China for a increased percentage over the current market price for gold and standard bullion coins, and they are the true pioneers of modern day coin collection. The images on the Panda coins continued to change until 2002. In addition, Panda coins were also made out of silver. In 1997, for just one year, China cast a new gold coin; the Good Fortune or Good Luck Coin.