The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. is famously the home of Giant Pandas on loan in the United States. Giant Pandas are often used as goodwill ambassadors by China and hosted in zoos around the world. In 2015, the Chinese Mint issued a special proof gold medal honoring two of the most famous pandas to reside at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Right now, 2015 5 oz Proof Chinese Gold Smithsonian Institution Panda Medals are available from JM Bullion.

Medal Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic slab!
• Unique Smithsonian Institution label in the slab!
• Limited mintage of only 300 medals!
• Limited availability of certified perfect medals!
• Contains 5 Troy oz of .999 pure gold.
• Issued a Grade of PF70 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• Ultra-cameo.
• Obverse features the Great Wall of China and the Smithsonian Institution museum.
• Reverse depicts Mei Xiang and her cub, Bao Bao.

Each 2015 5 oz Proof Chinese Gold Smithsonian Institution Panda Medal available here comes in a protective plastic slab and boasts a PF70 certification. Medals with this grade are considered perfect specimens with full, original mint luster and no visible detractions. UCAM stands for ultra-cameo proof and refers to the presence of strong, frosted designs overlaying deeply-mirrored, clear background fields.

Mei Xiang is the adult Giant Panda featured on this medal and was one of the most beloved giant pandas in the United States, having served as a goodwill ambassador for China at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. since 2000. Born in 1998, she gained fame for successfully giving birth to several cubs despite the notorious breeding challenges faced by giant pandas in captivity. Her gentle demeanor and maternal instincts made her a favorite among zoo visitors, who often spent hours watching her eat bamboo, play with enrichment toys, or care for her young.

In the obverse design of the 2015 Proof Chinese Gold Smithsonian Institution Panda Medal, you’ll find the image of two structures representing China and the United States. The Great Wall of China is depicted on the left side, while the Smithsonian Institution museum is depicted on the right side.

For the reverse side of 2015 5 oz Proof Gold Smithsonian Institution Panda Medals, you’ll find the image of Mei Xiang holding her cuddly cub, Bao Bao. Bao Bao, whose name means “precious” or “treasure,” is one of Mei Xiang’s famous cubs, born in August 2013 at the National Zoo. Her birth was celebrated nationally, with the zoo hosting a naming ceremony that attracted thousands of votes from the public.

If you have any questions when you buy gold, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.