Peter Anthony: The solid Panda that stands head-on amidst bamboo shoots in the B.U. 1986 gold Pandas is another masterpiece of line drawing. The actual number struck of 42,229 for this 1/4 oz. gold 25 Yuan Panda is less than half of the prior year’s mintage. For decades 1986 Pandas were considered as common as 1985s and sold for the minimum premium above its melt value. That view is gradually being revised to reflect that 1986 Pandas are in fact scarcer than 1985s. That has affected the price of other denominations more than the 25 Yuan but the trend is promising.

A fairly modest quantity of the 1986 25 Yuan have been graded. That reflects its long history in the bullion coin dog house. It wasn’t worth grading the 1986 25 Yuan unless it was needed for a set. Of those that have been graded nearly 2 of 3 are MS-69s. This is usually a well-preserved coin. As its reputation rises demand for it should as well. The 1986 1/4 oz. gold Panda is part of three NGC Registry sets: “Gold 1/4 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State," "Gold 1/4 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State (Incl. Varieties)." and "Gold 1/4 Ounce Panda, 1982-Date, Mint State and Proof."