Research
Upcoming Auction: 50th Anniversary of the Retrocession of Taiwan 1 Kilo Silver Proof Coin
Read moreRetrocession Day is celebrated annually on the 25th October in Taiwan, and marks the day in 1945 when Taiwan was officially handed back to the Republic of China after half a century of Japanese rule. The island was ceded to Japan following China’s defeat during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) in the Treaty of Shimonoseki. At the end of the
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Market Update (12th November 2014)
Read moreThe international gold price has once again been riding a roller coaster these last few days, going from low to high to low again at a fairly break-neck pace. Gold prices have returned to levels not seen for five years or so. Currently, gold is valued at 1163.27 USD/oz, having recovered a little from the 1142.30 USD/oz seen at the
Bronze Age Implements 3rd Series: The Quarterly Review
Read moreIt’s now been a few months since the People’s Bank issued the Bronze Age Implements 3rd Series, and with many collectors now in a position where they have managed to get their hands on the coins themselves, they must now be wondering whether they have made a wise choice for the future. Collectors will no doubt be trying to assess
Coin of the Week: 1991 5 oz Silver Xin Hai Revolution 80th Anniversary Proof Coin
Read moreWhen people think of Chinese history they often have a picture in their minds of either modern China, featuring the likes of Mao Zedong, Sun Yatsen, and Yuan Shikai, or else – and probably more likely – dynastic China, with its extensive palace complexes and the Great Wall. But when was the Chinese political structure so radically altered in the
An Evolving Market: China’s Coin Exchanges
Read moreChina’s Coin Exchanges: making a fast buck on traditionally long-term investments Investing in modern precious metal coins has always been touted as a sensible long-term option: a low risk way of expanding an investment portfolio which has both bullion and numismatic value – characteristics of such an investment that can combine to protect it in the future. But having read
Elusive Unicorn Expected in Macau
Read moreBetween the 5th and 7th December 2014, the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel will play host to the 1st Macau International Coin and Precious Metals Expo. Among the many exhibitors and auctioneers attending the event are Stack’s Bowers, who will also be holding a showcase auction in the run up to the event, between the 3rd and 4th December. Sure to
Market Update (3rd November 2014)
Read moreThe following is the gold market update for late October, for the period 27th October to 31st October 2014. The week started with the gold price in not too bad a condition at around 1230 USD/oz. However, from Wednesday onwards, news emerging that the US Federal Reserve resolution favoured the ‘hawks’; promising-looking third quarter GDP figures for the US; as
China’s Favourite Coin of 2013
Read moreOn the afternoon of the 25th October, “China’s favourite precious metal commemorative coin of 2013” was announced in a grand ceremony at the 2014 Beijing International Coin Expo. The survey, commissioned several months previously, was an open vote among the Chinese coin collecting community. The two winning coins – the Buddhist Site of Putuo Mountain 5 oz gold coin, and
Market Update (27th October 2014)
Read moreThe gold market this last week has gone through a variety of ups and downs. As a result of widespread concern about future global economic growth, the gold market received a boost at the start of the week from demand pressure, as investors sought the traditionally more reliable gold markets over other potentially less stable stocks and shares. Such demand
The Lure of Platinum: Part 3
Read moreThe Lure of Platinum – Part 3: In this final article featuring platinum, we take a further look at the attractions of platinum as a choice for investors and collectors in the Chinese precious metal coins market. Low mintages: Fourthly and finally, the mintage figures for platinum coins are very low. As discussed in Part 2, not only are there
The Lure of Platinum: Part 2
Read moreThe Lure of Platinum – Part 2: Following Part 1, in this article we continue to extol the virtues of modern Chinese platinum coins. A narrow range of rarified subject matter: The second characteristic of platinum coins that makes them a good choice for collecting and investing is that there are relatively few areas of the Chinese coins market where
A Worthy Source: The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual
Read moreFor coin collectors and enthusiasts, no matter what their area of interest, the value of a good book on numismatics cannot be overstated. A well-researched and informative guide on coins which encapsulates years and years of knowledge and experience, carefully and painstakingly acquired by the author can cost just a few dollars. Such a small investment for such a wealth
The Lure of Platinum: Part 1
Read moreThe Lure of Platinum – Part 1: Since 1988 the People’s Bank of China has issued a light smattering of platinum coins. In the 18 years between 1988 and 2005, only 55 coins types have been released across just five major categories: the Lunar, Ancient Inventions and Discoveries, Panda, Unicorn, and Guan Yin coin series. Many beginners, and indeed seasoned
Market Update (20th October 2014)
Read moreThis week’s gold price has continued to show the strength seen during last week. Since entering October we have observed the market transitioning from strength to strength over the two week period. The international gold price currently stands at 1237.88 USD/oz, showing a remarkable turnaround from the disastrous condition of the market seen since late July. The gold market continues
Feature Coin: 2000 1 Kilo Silver Panda
Read moreZhao Online’s third round of October auctions featuring modern Chinese precious metal coins is currently underway, taking place from the 13th to the 16th October. The main recommendation from the auctioneer for this round is the 2000 1 kilo silver Panda proof coin: a rarity with a rather appropriate (given the year) official mintage of just 2000 pieces. This lot
Market Update (13th October 2014)
Read moreThe following is an update for the five-day period from 6th October to 10th October for the gold price: This week has seen the emergence of an unsettled state of affairs in the financial markets. The minutes from the meeting of the US Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund have triggered somewhat of a market surge. At the beginning
Beijing International Coin Expo 2014
Read moreA once a year event, the Beijing International Coin Expo will open its doors on the 24th October in Beijing. This year it will also be playing host to an exciting round of auctions. The total value of these 596 lots going under the hammer has an estimated value of over 16,000,000 yuan, and includes modern precious metal coins from
End of National Day Celebrations: Market Update
Read moreOn Tuesday 7th October 2014 the gold price at the opening of the Asian markets was at 1203.79 USD/oz, showing a slight recovery, having dipped below the 1200 USD/oz mark on one occasion during the Chinese national holiday. Yesterday was the last day of the national holidays in China, and as a result the markets are gradually returning to their
Stack’s Bowers Auction: Yuan Shikai Dollar Y-329.6
Read moreA popular choice among numismatists with an interest in older circulated Chinese coins is the Yuan Shikai Dollar: a silver coin struck extensively between 1914 and perhaps as late as the early 1950s. The use of a variety of dies, as well as original dies which were altered and touched up by provincial mints, has resulted in an unknown number
Zhao Online October Auctions: Modern Precious Metal Coins 1
Read moreMonday is the start of a busy October for online auction house, Zhao Online. The 6th October marks the first of five special events to be held this month featuring modern precious metal coins. The first of these auctions is to be held between the 6th and 9th October, falling just at the end of the national holiday or “golden
Yuan Shikai Dollar: Origins of the “O Mint Mark” and the “Triangular Yuan”
Read moreTwo of the most well known variations of the Yuan Shikai silver Dollar are the O mint mark and the triangular yuan varieties. These are both variations of the 1914 or “Year Three” Yuan Shikai Dollars. However, despite their popularity, the origins of these curious differences found on silver dollar coins still remain uncertain. Popular folklore has had a stab
Market Update (30th September 2014)
Read moreWhen the Asian markets opened on the 29th September the gold price was hovering around 1218 USD/oz. Having fallen fairly consistently since the beginning of September, the last few days have seen the gold price somewhat stabilising, undulating just below the 1220 USD/oz mark. Over the weekend data concerning Chinese industry profits emerged, unexpectedly showing a fall from a previous
The Fat Man in a Nutshell: an Introduction to the Yuan Shikai Dollar
Read moreThe Yuan Shikai Dollar or “Fat Man Dollar”, introduced by Yuan Shikai (16th September 1859 – 6th June 1916) in late 1914 following the beginning of his presidency of the Republic of China (ROC) in 1912, is somewhat of a mis-translation. In Chinese this coin type is known as “袁大头” or “Yuan Big Head” – Yuan referring to Yuan Shikai,
1982 1/2 oz Gold Panda & Market Update (24th September 2014)
Read moreOn the 24th September, at the opening of the Asian markets the gold price was undulating around 1222 USD/oz, having picked up a little yesterday reaching 1235 USD/oz. Sadly this rise was short-lived. Economically influential events from around the world include the results of Germany’s September IFO business climate index – which has continued to fall, indicating low expectations for
China’s New Coin Grading System: Coins Graded Yuantai 100 Feature in Online Auction
Read moreThere is much excitement in the online Chinese coin collecting community, as August saw the first appearance of coins graded using the new Yuantai system in online auction houses. Officially announced on the 5th August 2014, China’s new coin grading system is still in its infancy and trial stages, but the first pieces with Yuantai grades to hit online auction
Market Update (22nd September 2014)
Read moreSince last week the gold price has continued to decline, reaching 1216 USD/oz, representing a fall of 9.01 USD/oz, or -0.74% over the seven day period. After gold markets rallied at the beginning of last week, the results from the US Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting further strengthened the dollar, putting downward pressure on the gold price which subsequently saw successive
Coin of the Week: 1998 1/4 oz Gold Panda (Large Date)
Read moreAmong collectors nowadays another key year for the Panda series is 1998. The Asian financial crisis of 1997 meant that demand for the Panda series minted in 1998 was particularly low. In the fallout from these crippling economic difficulties, many collectors felt that they had no option other than to melt their stocks of Panda coins for their bullion value.
Late August Review: values increase by almost 80% in just a couple of days
Read moreRecently one or two specific precious metal commemorative coins have seen short term rapid gains in value, some as much as doubling in just a week or so. Even certain silver Panda coins have experienced a surge in price of over 30%. Since the start of August, the sudden appearance of several outstanding performers in the market seems to have
Surge in 2014 1 oz Silver Panda Activity
Read moreOur last coin market update of the 10th September highlighted a flurry of excitement around the 2014 1 oz silver bullion Panda coin. Now that the final batches of licensed sets have been issued, the weekend has seen a further surge of activity regarding this coin. Since last week, prices have rocketed from the 166-167 yuan range up to just
Focus Coin: Bronze Age Implements 2nd Series 5 oz Silver Coin
Read moreWith the release of the Bronze Age Implements 3rd Series coin set earlier last month, market attention has returned to the previous 2nd and 1st Series. The official release date for the 2nd Series was 23rd May 2013. Similarly to the other series, the set comprises five coins: two gold coins weighing ¼ oz and 5 oz; and three silver
Market Update (10th September 2014)
Read moreOn Wednesday 10th September the gold price in the Asian markets trickled down still further to around 1256 USD/oz. Economic data from the US markets seems to have suppressed investor speculation. Investors will be focussing on the convening of the US Federal Reserve between the 16th and 17th September when significant monetary policy decisions will be made. The outcome of
Coin of the Week: 2009 1 oz Silver Ox Coloured Coin
Read moreFollowing the discussion in an earlier article of two coins which have done surprisingly well in a gloomy precious metals market, this week’s coin of the week focuses on one such piece: the 2009 1 oz silver Year of the Ox coloured coin. The 2009 silver Ox coloured coin is a proof quality coin with a fineness of 99.9%. It
1999 1 oz Silver Panda Update
Read moreOur previous market update of the 26th August highlighted the online auction of a 1999 1 oz silver BU Panda coin, graded by the NGC as MS69. The auction has now come to a close, and as the hammer fell the final bid stood at a tidy 4650 yuan. At the time of writing of the previous article the highest bid
Market Update (26th August 2014)
Read moreWhen the Asian markets opened on Monday 25th August, the international gold price was at 1277.80 USD/oz, maintaining a shaky level, while the USD was trading almost at its strongest for the year against the euro, with 1 euro equaling 1.3199 USD. Following the Jackson Hole meeting of the world’s major central banks, Janet Yellen announced a 2% inflation target,
1993 12 oz Gold Proof Panda Coin
Read moreThe 1993 12 oz gold Panda is another intriguing rarity and a semi-key date coin for collectors. Graded by the NGC as PF 69 ultra cameo, the particular piece available in the coin store today at a price of $90,900 USD is a fine specimen of this coin type. The obverse face bears the image of the Temple of Heaven
Rare Sighting of 1992 500 yuan 5 oz Gold Panda
Read moreThis year’s Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong August auction was blessed with the appearance of a 1992 5 oz gold 500 yuan Panda coin. This coin of phenomenal numismatic value attracted a final bid of $41,825 USD (not including a hefty buyer’s premium!). Graded by the PCGS as PF68 deep cameo, and unsurprisingly accompanied by its certificate of authenticity and original
Market Update (23rd August 2014)
Read moreWhen the Asian markets opened on the 22nd August 2014 the gold price was down at around 1276 USD/oz. Yesterday saw the fifth consecutive day of a fall in the gold price. While developments over the last few days have been largely unremarkable, they have not been without interest, as Federal Reserve Chair, Janet Yellen, made her opening speech at
Are We There Yet? Where is Rock Bottom for the Gold Price?
Read moreLast week (the week beginning 11th August) the international gold price looked like it would continue to ricochet around like a blind bumblebee. At the end of last week the gold price tumbled from its high point. By the middle of last week it had reached its peak at 1322 USD/oz, then by the close of the markets on Friday
Market Update (18th August 2014)
Read moreAt the opening of the Asian markets on the 18th August 2014, the gold price had fallen to around 1302 USD/oz, suffering its biggest seven-day drop seen over the last 100 weeks. This is thought to be due to regional concerns in the Middle East and Ukraine. Focus throughout the week is likely to be centred around the US Federal
Two Dark Horses of the Market
Read moreThis year trends in the international gold price have heavily influenced the attitudes of precious metal coin investors. Coin markets in Mainland China have cooled off somewhat compared with last year. Although the vast majority of coins have seen price falls, this hasn’t seen a corresponding resurgence in demand as investors remain hesitant. Market insiders believe that right now there
Warring States Period Knife Money Auction
Read moreThis month sees the holding of the August 2014 Hong Kong Auction at the Mira Hong Kong Hotel. Making an appearance during Session A of this exciting event are four pieces of Warring States Period (475 – 221 B.C.) knife money from the state of Qi. These cast bronze knives, resembling the shape of an old-fashioned barber’s razor, are typified
Market Update (14th August 2014)
Read moreAt the opening of the Asian markets on the 13th August, the gold price was hovering around the 1308 USD/oz mark, continuing the recent upward trend. Trading yesterday was on the quiet side, however, in the next few days we’ll see some serious news coming in, especially concerning the UK’s inflation report, the USA’s July sales report, the UK unemployment
First Steps: Advice for Beginners
Read moreIf you are new to Chinese coins and are thinking of investing or collecting, here are a few pointers that will help you get you off on the right foot. Firstly, buying gold Pandas is relatively simple. Gold Panda coins are one of the world’s top five gold coin investment choices. When you invest in coinage, you own something tangible
Coin of the Week: 1988 12 oz Silver Dragon Proof Coin
Read moreA 1988 12 oz Silver Dragon Lunar proof coin is available for purchase right now in the coin store. This proof quality silver coin, with a certified fineness of 99.9%, has a denomination of 100 yuan and measures 80 mm in diameter. An award winning and intriguing coin, it boasts the title of “Best Silver Coin”, awarded at the 1990
China’s New Coin Grading System
Read moreOn the 5th August 2014 China officially announced the preliminary release of its first coin appraisal and grading system. Here is a brief look at some of the major features of the “现代贵金属纪念币品相评级标” (Modern Precious Metals Commemorative Coins Rating Standard), and how it differs from the PCGS and NGC systems currently in use. In light of the experience of international systems
Time is Running Out! 2014 West Lake of Hangzhou 1 kg Silver Coin
Read moreTime is running out! You have a little over 24 hours left to bid on the 1 kg silver coin from the 2014 UNESCO World Heritage West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou series. This coin is currently up for auction online at http://www.zhaoonline.com/jinianxilie-yin/2795322.shtml. At the time of writing, the latest bid stood at 12200 yuan from a first-time bidder. The
Recent Market Trends (9th August 2014)
Read moreAt the opening of the Asian stock markets on the 8th August, despite downward pressure in general on the global markets due to the geopolitical crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, the gold price had been fluttering around 1311 USD/oz. The negative influence exerted by this global turmoil seems to have had a limited effect on the gold price,
Coin of the Week: 1998 ½ oz Gold Guilin Scenery Rectangle
Read moreAvailable in the coin store at this time is a complete four-piece set of highly attractive 1998 ½ oz Gold Guilin Scenery Rectangle coins. This set is quite rare, with a planned mintage of just 1600 pieces for each coin. Each of these beautiful proof quality rectangular coins has a face value of 50 yuan, a fineness of 99.9%, and
Imminent Release of Bronze Age Implements Series Three
Read moreThe release of the Bronze Age Implements Series Three coin set (8th August 2014) is almost upon us, so now seems like a good time to take a brief look at the subject matter of these coins. Series One and Two were issued in 2012 and 2013 respectively, and while Series One featured Bronze Age finds dating from the late Xia
Recent Market Trends (5th August 2014)
Read moreAt the opening of the Asian markets on the 4th August, the gold price saw narrow fluctuations around the 1293 USD/oz mark, recording a third consecutive fall in the last seven days. There is little to report in the last day or so, with the Asian markets focusing on data from the Australian retail sector, the newly-announced UK building sector