Peter Anthony: The 1988 50 Yuan .999 fine proof silver Panda is the second 5 oz. silver Panda coin issued. Its mintage is 11,000, the same as the prior year’s. Despite the equal mintages the 1988 is significantly scarcer than the 1987. A smaller percentage of the 1988 50 Yuans grade as Proof-69, too. The five-ounce silver Panda set attracts far fewer collectors than the once ounce coins do. As a result this coin is considered a sleeper by some.
The 1988 50 Yuan silver Panda is part of the NGC Registry set "Silver 50Y (5 Ounce) Panda, 1987-Date, Proof."