Like a typical noobie, I went and purchased a bunch of Pandas on eBay...without fully realizing how risky that might be. Here are photos of some of the coins I purchased. To those of you who are knowledgeable about Pandas...do these look like the real deal to you? Any glaring signs of being fake? Also, I'm trying to find out if the thickness of Pandas can vary. Some of the older Pandas have a high ridge running around the circumference of the coin. The newer coins do not...which seems to affect how thick they look. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Source:
The 1991 and 1993 have been resealed in non-original pouches and the 1993 was given a new capsule. I wish the photo of the 1991 was sharper but outside of that all the coins look OK. Best wishes, Peter Anthony http://www.pandacollector.com
I appreciate the responses. Thanks. Peter, photography is not my specialty, but I attempted to take more pictures of the 1991. I'm also posting a pic of my 2001 D...plus a pic of a 2001 D stacked on top of a 1996 to show the difference in thickness. The 1996 is the same thickness of the coins in my previous post which you indicated appear to be genuine. What do you think? Thanks again.
LOL...I'm new to this, but even I know that. The coins pictured were not removed [by me] from plastic or original capsules. Thanks, though. That is good advice.
The thicker coin is a concern. The 1996 panda looks different but the picture is not clear enough for me to say it's a fake. The temple side looks OK though. Did you weigh it?
All the pictured coins in my posts are the same thickness as the thicker coin, with the exception of the thinner 2001. And, they all appear to be the correct weight.
Here's a great resource that I have used before to help me identify my Panda's. http://chinesepandacoin.blogspot.com/
The 2001 may appear thinner because it does not have a high ridge like those in the 90's. The high ridge give the illusion that it is thicker. The 2001 design does not have a ridge if you notice.
Not trying to hijack the topic - but I have always been curious about the affect on price that removing Pandas (or any mint encapsulated coin - like Kooks) from their capsules experience? I am a little bit obsessive, so now that I have a few of the world bullion coins I want to work out a way for them to be stored - and I love the idea of every coin being in an identical sized AirTite and stored that way. I know this would cause a hit on the price, but since I plan on buying and holding over many years would the affect be that servere? Thanks, Meezzio
I have wondered the same thing. Also, I have wondered about the pros and cons of breaking open a double sealed Panda to have it graded & slabbed. Good idea? Bad idea?
Go on, don't be afraid son, take them out, feel the texture, inhale the sweet scent of silver sulphides released from years of prophylactic encapsulation. Cuddle your Panda coin, rub your salty mitts all over them. Do it, Do it, Do it !
I agree with Silverbay, again. The 2001 and 2002 Pandas appear thinner from the side because they lack a raised rim. Nothing to be concerned about. Best wishes, Peter Anthony http://www.pandacollector.com/pricepedia.html
I know some people here in EU who collect Pandas, if it's not in original plastic and capsule they will not buy it. It's worthless to them.
They should rethink their approach. The older pouches contain PVC that can eventually damage the coins inside. It's less of a problem for coins like 1 oz. silver Pandas that are double sealed in hard capsules although even these can be impaired by vapors. This is a major issue for gold Pandas which are in direct contact with the plastic pouch. Best wishes, Peter Anthony http://www.pandacollector.com
