1988 China Great Wall 10 Yuan Sterling Silver Proof Coin
Coin/Bullion · China Gold Coin Incorporation (CGCI) / People's Bank of China (PBOC). These are the official issuing authorities for the People's Republic of China, known for high-quality commemorative proof strikes.
Pattern: Chinese Commemorative Coinage - Great Wall of China series; specifically the 1988 issue. Part of a limited-mintage series highlighting national landmarks.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
China Gold Coin Incorporation (CGCI) / People's Bank of China (PBOC). These are the official issuing authorities for the People's Republic of China, known for high-quality commemorative proof strikes.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Typical of Chinese commemorative coins from the 1980s, which were standardly .925 sterling rather than .999 fine silver. Weight is 30 grams (approximately 0.893 troy oz of actual silver content).
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.6 mm; Weight: 30.0 grams; Thickness: approximately 3 mm. This follows the standard crown-sized specifications for 1980s Chinese silver commemoratives.
Description
An exquisite example of early Chinese modern numismatics, this 1988 silver proof coin depicts a rugged, serpentine view of the Great Wall. The contrast between the deep, black-mirrored fields and the snowy-white frosting of the mountain peaks showcases the high technical proficiency of late-20th-century Chinese minting. It represents a transition period in Chinese history, marketed heavily to international collectors during the 1980s boom in precious metals.
Key Features
High-relief frosting on the Great Wall walls, crisp Chinese characters in the upper arc, and the iconic 1980s block-style numbering for the date.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Typical of Chinese commemorative coins from the 1980s, which were standardly .925 sterling rather than .999 fine silver. Weight is 30 grams (approximately 0.893 troy oz of actual silver content).
Finish & Decoration
Proof Finish. Characterized by mirror-like reflective fields (the flat background) and frosted, matte relief (the Great Wall imagery). The design features a scenic aerial view of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, textured rocky terrain, and Chinese characters translated as 'People's Republic of China'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The obverse displays '中华人民共和国' (People's Republic of China) and the date '1988' in stylized block digits. The reverse (not shown but implied) would carry the face value '10 元' (10 Yuan) and the silver fineness/weight specifications common on PBOC issues.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a high-pressure minting facility. The proof strike requires multiple strikes for crisp definition and hand-polished dies to achieve the contrast between frost and mirror fields.
Functional Features
Legal tender in the People's Republic of China (though bullion/numismatic value far exceeds face value). The coin is housed in an acrylic protective capsule to prevent oxidation and physical damage.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge (milled). The coin should only be handled by the edges or using cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from etching the mirror-finish fields.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured to exacting tolerances using proof-quality dies. The sharpness of the brickwork on the watchtower indicates a fresh die strike and superior quality control at the mint.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the reeded edge, consistent typography of the '1988' date, and the specific texture of the frosting on the mountain peaks. Dimensions and weight (30g) are the primary indicators for authenticity vs. common base-metal fakes.
Origin & Manufacturing
China; likely minted at the Shanghai or Shenyang Mint under the authority of the People's Bank of China.
Era & Period
Modern Commemorative Era (1979-Present). This specific coin fits the late 1980s period of Chinese 'opening up' when numismatic exports for foreign collectors became a major focus for the Chinese government.
Age Estimate
Dated 1988; approximately 36 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
The Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese resilience and history. By placing it on silver bullion, the PBOC exported a cultural icon to the global investment market, establishing China as a top-tier producer of collectible silver.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'Proof' condition. The fields are clean with no obvious milk spots or scratches, though a few micro-scratches appear on the acrylic capsule itself. Grade: Near Mint/GEM Proof (subject to removal from capsule for a true surface check).
Value Estimate
Generally ranges from $80 to $150 USD depending on the specific mintage numbers and demand in the Chinese domestic market. Certified (MS/PF graded) examples trade at a premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not remove from the capsule. If removal is necessary, use archival-safe cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry place away from PVC-based plastics, which can cause 'PVC green' corrosion on silver.
Similar Pieces
1980s Panda Silver Coins (usually .999 fine and different weight); other 'Famous Places' series coins. The primary difference is the purity (.925 for this era vs .999 for Pandas).
Interesting Facts
In 1988, China was aggressively expanding its presence in the global coin market. This specific design is prized for its 'vignette' style, making the wall look like it is floating within the mirror field.