Modern Chinese Varieties: 1989 Mint State and Mint State PL Silver 10Y Panda

This month we will look at another popular Chinese Silver Panda variety. In 1989, China struck both Mint State and Proof Silver 10 Yuan Pandas. The Proofs are easily distinguished from the Mint State coins by the letter “P” located on the reverse side (Panda side). The Mint State coins can be found with two distinct appearances.

The normal Mint State Pandas have a uniform texture to the devices and fields. The second type, however, features mirrored fields that contrast sharply with the devices. This gives these coins a notable Prooflike appearance. These Prooflike coins will be attributed as "Mirrored Fields" by NGC.

The coin pictured below is an example of a “normal” Mint State coin. The fields and devices have a uniform texture.

1989 Mint State Silver 10 Yuan Panda Click images to enlarge.

The coin pictured below is an example of a Mirrored Fields Mint State coin.

1989 Mirrored Fields Mint State Silver 10 Yuan Panda Click images to enlarge.

For comparison, a Proof coin is shown below.

1989 Proof Silver 10 Yuan Panda Click images to enlarge.

The Mirrored Fields variety will be automatically attributed for no additional fee.

Look for another interesting variety to be featured next month.