Beijing Olympics Gold Coins Go On Sale

The People's Bank of China has began to offer for sale the second set of precious metal commemorative coins for the 29th Olympic Games on June 20, 2007.

The set is made up of eight precious metal coins, including two one third ounce gold coins, four one-ounce silver coins, one five-ounce gold coin and one one-kilogram silver coin.

According to an official of China Gold Coins Incorporation, the current issue has a distinctive Chinese flavor. The obverse design of all of the coins features the emblem of the 29th Olympic Games amidst the traditional image of a pair of facing dragons, plus the name of the country and the year "2008".

The reverse design of the one third ounce gold coins shows ancient Chinese swimming and weightlifting respectively and the four one-ounce silver coins have a reverse design featuring the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Beihai Park or the traditional Beijing dwelling house, plus patterns of traditional Chinese painted pottery, enamel and lacquer art and the blue-and-white porcelain respectively.

The five-ounce gold coin's reverse design features the image of traditional Chinese martial arts and an abstract depiction of the five Olympic rings., while the reverse of the one-kilogram silver coin is engraved with an image of dragon boat and horse racing.

The reverse of all coins bear "the 29th Olympic Games" in Chinese in addition to the coin's face value.

The set of coins are sold at the branches of China Gold Coins Incorporation, and by licensed retailers and franchised dealers. Collectors can also visit www.chinamoney.com.cn or call the service department of the corporation.

According to an agreement between the BOCOG and the People's Bank, the latter will issue the third set of coins in 2008. The first set was issued last year. The Beijing Olympics Gold Coins are an excellent set of gold coins and will likely be much in demand over the coming years.