I have checked on the internet and can not find this Panda coin anywhere. It is not even listed as a fake. It is marked as "1 oz Ag .999" on the top. It has a large, single panda on the face, facing to the right. It is marked as 20 (I assume yen) on the far center right. These are the only markings on the face. On the reverse side it has 2008 at the bottom and 7 characters written across the top, all in a non-reflective raised rim that is about 5 cm thick. In the very center is a reverse releaf stylized running figure wth "Beijing" below that and the Olympic rings below that. Around these three lines is stylized graphics. The edge of the coin is not smooth. I will post pictures as soon as I can. Thank you for any help you can provide.
It sounds like something struck for the 2008 Olympics but it's not by the PRC. Here are the designs for the Chinese coins: http://www.pandaamerica.com/NEWS_2008beijingOly_6_8_07.asp?keyword=2008%20Beijing&sortby=entrec. Perhaps it's a commemorative from another country? A photo will help. Best wishes, Peter Anthony PandaCollector.com
Here are photos of the coin in question (please excuse the color - poor lighting trying to reduce glare - the coin really is silver in color). It is packaged in a plastic coin holder and then sealed in plastic so it was difficult to get a set of pictures without flash glare on them. Thank you all for your help.
Sorry to say, but this is a counterfeit fantasy coin not made by the China Mint. Among other things, Panda coins always have an image of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on one side which this one doesn't. Also, one oz. silver Pandas always have a value of 10 Yuan, not 20. While the coin says 2008 on it, this Panda design is from the 2003 coins. To see a photo of an actual 2003 silver Panda look at http://www.pandacollector.com/silver-pandas-2.html . Finally, as a fake, there is little chance this is solid silver but is most likely just silver-plated. My apologies for being the bringer of bad news. Best wishes, Peter Anthony http://www.pandacollector.com
