Peter Anthony: The 1983 ½ oz. gold 50 Yuan Panda is a reasonably scarce coin but not in the same class as some later date members of the ½ oz. gold Panda series. Like the 1982 its design is the work of master artist Mr. Chen Jian. The family resemblance is clear with Mr. Chen’s reliance on simple lines. The 1983, though, has never been worth as much as the 1982 and probably never will be. There are just too many around. While fewer 1983s have been graded than 1982s it is because the coins are much less valuable and fewer people choose to grade them. Nonetheless, this is by no means common and it is part of the most difficult B.U. Panda set to assemble: the ½ oz. gold coins.

The coins often suffer from a bit of rub on the high points and the most common grade is MS-68. A MS-69 will bring a significant premium above the value of the gold content. In lesser condition it is only modestly more valuable than bullion. The 1983 1/2 oz. gold Panda Panda is part of three NGC Registry sets: “Gold 1/2 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State," "Gold 1/2 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State (Incl. Varieties)," and "Gold 1/2 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State and Proof"