1997 China 1 oz Silver 10 Yuan Peacocks PCGS MS70 Touch of Rainbow Toning

1997 China 1 oz Silver 10 Yuan Peacocks PCGS MS70 Touch of Rainbow Toning

This beautiful modern Chinese silver is a 1997 People’s Republic 10 Yuan “Peacocks”, struck in 1 oz .999 fine silver and certified PCGS MS70. It is part of the popular Peacocks design type (KM# 595), issued 1993–1997 as a non-circulating legal-tender commemorative.

Authenticity & specifications

• Country / issuer: China, People’s Republic

• Year: 1997

• Denomination: 10 Yuan

• Metal: .999 fine silver

• Weight: 31.1 g (1 troy oz)

• Diameter: 40 mm

• Mintage: approx. 50,000 coins

• Type: Non-circulating legal tender commemorative

• Catalog: KM# 595 (formerly Y#352)

• Certification: PCGS MS70 – the top numeric grade on the 70-point scale, in secure PCGS holder with matching label and barcode.

Design & artistry

Obverse – Temple of Harmony

• Depicts the Temple of Harmony (often identified with the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City), rendered with deep perspective: broad steps leading to the main hall, flanked by balustrades and terraces.

• Chinese legend “中华人民共和国” (People’s Republic of China) arcs above; date 1997 sits below the temple.

Reverse – Two Peacocks

• Features a magnificent pair of peacocks in a classical garden scene. One bird stands with its tail fully spread, while the other walks gracefully in front, tail feathers trailing.

• Rockery, flowering shrubs and trees frame the birds, creating a balanced, almost painterly composition inspired by traditional Chinese art.

• The denomination “10 元” appears above; along the lower rim are the weight and fineness “1 oz Ag .999”.

The combination of frosted devices and brilliant fields gives this coin a handsome, medallic appearance that suits the elegant peacock motif.

Historical significance

Peacocks have long symbolized beauty, dignity, and prosperity in Chinese decorative art, appearing in classical paintings and textiles. By pairing them with the Temple of Harmony, this 10 Yuan type links China’s imperial architectural heritage with the refined natural imagery of traditional painting, making it a showcase of modern Chinese design grounded in classic themes.

Collector’s value

For collectors of modern Chinese silver, wildlife themes, or top-graded world coins, this PCGS MS70 Peacocks 10 Yuan checks all the boxes: one-ounce .999 silver, low reported mintage, a beloved design type, and the highest numeric grade from a leading grading service. It stands out on its own or pairs perfectly with other Chinese 10 Yuan commemoratives as a centerpiece of any modern world-coin collection.