Rare Panda Coins

One of the greatest sleepers in the Panda series appears to be taking off. While most of the silver Pandas issued have had mintages in the 200,000+ range, there are several little known issues with mintages from 8000 to 25000 peices. These are the 1983-1985 BU silver coins and the 1989-1996 Silver Proofs.

Mintages:

• 1983: 10,000
• 1984: 10,000
• 1985: 10,000
  
• 1989-P: 25,000
• 1990-P: 20,000
• 1991-P: 20,000
• 1992-P: 20,000
• 1993-P: 20,000
• 1994-P: 15,000
• 1995: 10,000
• 1996: 8,000
  

The 1983-1985 BU coins continue to increase in price steadily: currently in the $300-$500 Range when you can find them.

Since the BU silver Pandas often have a very proof-like finish, the proof versions have been often overlooked. In fact, the P mintmark may be all that distinguishes them in some years.

The 1995 and 1996 issues, however, have no P mark. The obverse panda design on the proofs is different from the BU coins. I have been amazed at the low prices of these rare coins, until recently. Over the last 8 months the prices have soared!

1995 Obverse:

1996 Obverse: