China. New Range of Silver Bullion Coins Featuring Dragon Theme Launched

With international sales volumes of mainstream investment silver coins steadily increasing, and the future market space has gradually expanded, a new theme for collectors and investors is now introduced. The People's Bank of China have launched their first Chinese Dragon Silver Commemorative bullion Coin, a new range designed to keep pace with the growing demand in the international market for Chinese precious metal products. The aim is to create a new general-purpose silver coin variety with a distinctively Chinese character and insightful cultural connection in line with international aesthetic trends while complementing the internationally popular Panda Silver Coin. These one-ounce silver coins were first issued in 1987 to mark the fifth anniversary of the debut of the gold Panda coin series.

The motif for the new range features two specific designs, one of China’s most recognisable and ancient national landmarks, the Great Wall which was first constructed between the years 770 - 476 BC. The various segments were connected in the years 221 - 206 BC which created a unified defensive system to protect against nomadic incursions from the north. Later imperial rulers continued to expand and fortify the wall, especially during the years 1368 to 1644 rebuilding and extending it with stone and brick, resulting in the Great Wall we know today. The Great Wall, with a combined length of 21,196.18 kilometres or, 13,170.70 miles became a UNESCO heritage world site in 1987. The second motif, the traditional Chinese dragon depiction symbolises a powerful and wise creature, a revered symbol of good fortune and success, often associated with wealth and abundance. Traditional depictions of dragons were first seen on modern Chinese coinage in the 19th century, specifically with the introduction of the ‘Dragon dollar’ design, which became standard across all provinces of China.

The Chinese Dragon Silver Coin Project is minted using the standard weight of 31.104 grams, aligning with international measurement units instead of the 30 gram measurement unit utilised for other Chinese bullion-related products. The 2025-dated silver bullion quality coins are minted by the Shenzhen Guobao Mint Company Ltd on behalf of the People’s Bank of China. The obverse side is designed by engravers He Chun and Jiang Qian Qian which depicts the image of a traditional dragon in the style of the magnificent gilt dragons of the Tang Dynasty and the awe-inspiring Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing's Forbidden City. The design is supplemented by a combination of auspicious cloud patterns and a linear background. The denomination 10元 is placed just to the right of the dragon and the specifications 31.104g Ag.999 is placed along the upper left rim. Designed by engraver Wang Hu Ming, the reverse design features a detailed image of the Great Wall of China which is located in the east at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west. The imposing structure is shown winding vigorously through rolling mountains with each ridge and contour of the mountains rendered with exceptional clarity. The name of the country 中 华 人 民 共 和 国 (People’s Republic of China) placed above the Wall and towers along the upper rim. The year of issue 2025 is shown below.

The release and sale of the new Chinese Dragon silver bullion coins are expected to start in China in mid-to-late May. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of LPM Group Limited, official distributors.