1/4 oz Chinese Panda Gold Coin | Mixed Years

1/4 oz Chinese Panda — from the ounce era

Until 2015 the Chinese Panda was struck in troy ounces. This is the quarter-ounce coin from that period, in 999 gold, with a face value of 100 yuan. From 2016 the series switched to metric weights and the nearest equivalent became the 8 g coin, also 100 yuan.

These are mixed-year coins, so the reverse differs from piece to piece — the Panda design is redrawn for every year of issue, which is what separates this series from every other bullion coin.

Specifications

The design

The obverse carries the Temple of Heaven in Beijing with the name of the People's Republic of China and the year — constant across the series. The reverse carries a panda, drawn afresh for each year of issue.

Because the design changes annually, older Pandas are collected as well as held for the metal. Which year you receive depends on stock.

VAT and UK capital gains tax

HMRC treats a coin minted after 1800 as bullion gold if it is at least 900 thousandths fine, is or has been legal tender in its country of origin, and normally sells at no more than 180 per cent of the open market value of its gold (VAT Notice 701/21A). At 999 fine and Chinese legal tender, this coin falls inside the exemption for gold bullion.

Capital gains tax is separate: the UK exemption follows sterling legal tender, so it covers Sovereigns and Britannias but not a Chinese coin. This is the published rule, not tax advice — your own position depends on your circumstances.

Questions buyers ask

Can I choose the year? No. Mixed-year stock ships as available.

Is this the same as an 8 g Panda? Close but not identical. A quarter troy ounce is 7.776 g; the metric 8 g coin that replaced it holds slightly more gold.

Is it VAT free in the UK? It meets HMRC's tests for a gold bullion coin. It is not exempt from capital gains tax.

Other coins in the series are on the Chinese Panda gold coins page. Live quotes on the precious metals prices page.