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How to Spot a Fake 1999 Large Date Silver Panda

"Panda coins" are coins minted by the Chinese government that feature a panda on one side and a temple on the other. Because the Chinese government issues panda coins of different sizes and materials each year, sometimes even altering the inscriptions and placement of the panda, collectors can find it hard to keep up with all the fakes that abound in the marketplace. However, if you're examining a silver panda coin of a particular year, such as the "large print" silver panda coin of 1999, you can tailor your investigation to the specific features of the coin of that mintage.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the letters "Ag" engraved on the panda side of the coin. (AG is the chemical symbol for silver.) There should be slightly less than 1/8 inch of space between the "Ag" and the outer edge of the coin. In fakes, the "Ag" is often closer to the edge of the coin than is the "Ag" in the genuine article.
- 2
  Check the 10 Yuan mark on the panda side of the coin. There should be just under 1/8 inch between the 10 and the left edge of the coin. Counterfeit coins often lack this space.
- 3
  Examine the fur patterns of the panda. The fur patterns should be understated and reflective. Counterfeit specimens often have overstated patterns and are frosted.
- 4
  Run your finger over the coin. It should not feel rough. Genuine 1999 large print coins have a smooth texture, whereas fakes often do not.
- 5
  Turn the coin over to the temple side. Look at the 1999 at the bottom. The digits should have a full 1/8 inch between them, making the year looked spaced out.

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