1988 China Gold Panda 25 Yuan 1/4 oz PCGS MS69 KM185 TOP POP Very Rare .999 Gold

1988 China Gold Panda 25 Yuan 1/4 oz PCGS MS69 KM185 TOP POP Very Rare .999 Gold

This listing is for an authenticated and graded 1988 People’s Republic of China 25 Yuan Gold Panda, containing 1/4 troy ounce of .999 fine gold and certified by PCGS as MS69. With its near-flawless Mint State grade and TOP POP / population rarity, this example sits at the very pinnacle of the grading census for its type, making it an elite condition rarity in the popular Gold Panda series.

The obverse features the iconic Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a central symbol of the modern Chinese state and a beloved numismatic motif. The inscription “中华人民共和国” (People’s Republic of China) arcs above, with the date “1988” below, anchoring the coin firmly in the early, low-mintage era of the Panda program.

The reverse shows the charming Panda design unique to 1988: a single panda seated while contentedly munching bamboo, surrounded by bamboo stalks and leaves. This rotating annual design concept is one of the key reasons the Gold Panda series is so intensely collected worldwide—the 1988 artwork is especially admired for its balance of simplicity, cuteness, and classic engraving detail. The denomination “25 元” and the gold content “1/4 oz Au .999” are clearly indicated, confirming both face value and purity.

Struck in .999 fine gold and officially issued by the People’s Bank of China, this coin is fully legitimate legal tender of the People’s Republic, cataloged as KM#185 in the Standard Catalog of World Coins. The KM designation is widely used by dealers, auction houses, and serious collectors, ensuring this piece can be easily referenced and verified in major numismatic catalogs and databases.

Finding this coin in PCGS MS69 is exceptionally difficult. Early Panda issues were often handled less carefully, and many survivors show typical contact marks or light abrasions. A top-graded example like this, with sharp detail, strong eye appeal, and only the most trivial imperfections under magnification, stands out dramatically from average pieces. As a TOP POP (tied for highest grade, or alone at the top depending on current census), it occupies a very small and highly desirable population bracket.

Collector’s Value:
For collectors of modern Chinese gold, top-grade Gold Pandas from the 1980s are cornerstone pieces. This 1988 25 Yuan KM185 in PCGS MS69 combines early-date scarcity, beloved one-year-only panda artwork, and elite population status—exactly the recipe advanced collectors look for. Whether you are building a high-end Panda date set, assembling a top population registry, or simply adding a standout world gold type to your collection, this coin delivers exceptional prestige, display appeal, and long-term collectible desirability.