Peter Anthony: The 1988 1/4 oz. gold 25 Yuan is a Shenyang Mint designed coin that features a Panda cub among bamboo branches. It has a reported mintage of 142,643. If there is wear it typically shows rub on the bear’s forehead. The reflective outer ring is also sensitive to marks. This coin has long been considered as no better than bullion. It is actually not terribly common but what it lacks is popularity among collectors.

A fairly modest quantity of the 1988 25 Yuans have been graded. That reflects the perception that this is a bullion coin. It wasn’t worth grading the 1988 25 Yuan unless it was needed for a set. Of those that have been graded more than half are MS-69s. An updated Temple of Heaven design was introduced in 1988. The reflective fields that surround it are quite susceptible to damage. Red spots are also common but these can usually be removed without harm by NCS.

The 1988 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."