NGC Grades Second "No P" 1987 China Gold 5 Yuan Panda

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) recently graded a second example of a China 1987 Gold 5 Yuan Panda coin struck without the "P" mintmark. The “P” mintmark indicated that the coin was struck in Proof format, while the Y and S mintmarks were used for Mint State pieces struck at the Shenyang and Shanghai mints, respectively.

China 1987 Gold 5 Yuan Panda Without "P" mintmark left, with "P" mintmark right Click images to enlarge.

China 1987 Gold 5 Yuan Panda with "Y" mintmark left, "S" mintmark right Click images to enlarge.

NGC graders compared the missing mintmark piece to the P, Y, and S-mintmarked 5 Yuan Pandas from that year and determined that its strike and surface quality are identical to the Proof "P" version and distinct from the Mint State "Y" and "S" coins. This variety has been designated “Missing Mintmark” on the NGC certification label.

China 1987 Gold 5 Yuan Panda, Missing Mintmark Click images to enlarge.

The total planned mintage for 1987-P Proof Gold 5 Yuan Panda coins was 10,000 coins. It is not known how many coins were struck without the “P” mintmark.