Topic: 1/2 ounce silver pandas 1993 to 1998

[Pandapaule]

I think we think the same.

An example of frosting I've received today. PCGS has recognized this variant. Good for me.  

[Gilmore]

I completed my search of 283 large date 1995 S5Y.  Of 283 coins searched, there are 38 var-B+var-C, or roughly 1 in 8.  Var-B is harder to find, there are 13 out of 38.  There are 25 var-C out of 38.

I would like to add to above statistics reported by SANDAC as I just finished sorting 626 1995 S5Y LD. Thanks again to dc55232 who provided me most of the NGC cert numbers.

Totally graded by NGC: 698, in my data file: 626, no photos - 11, mislabeled - 3.

Var A - 513, Var B - 31, Var C - 68

Disclosure: I own several coins of the Var A and Var C. Other varieties I discussed before (the 1994 S5Y and the 1995 SD frosted/mirror gap) I own none.

[SANDAC]

Great work!
dd55232 is far more systematic than I in NGC data collection.  I have busy summer schedule so most of my coin-related activities are in the winter months.  The net result is that my data is old.  The 1995 LD 1/2oz silver panda experienced significant population growth from 338 in Jan 5 2013 to 698 now, so my population is reflection of pre-2013 data.  What I'm getting at is this:
pre 2013 Var-B + Var-C fraction is 38/283 or 13.5%
present Var-B + Var-C fraction is 99/513 or 19.2%

So I'm seeing a rapid growth of Var-B + Var-C (the leaf-in-front) this year.  Does this mean people already selectively submitting that variety or that leaf-in-front is even more abundant than the 19.2% currently indicate?

Disclosure: I have no 1/2oz silver panda of 1994 nor 1995.

[Gilmore]

So I'm seeing a rapid growth of Var-B + Var-C (the leaf-in-front) this year.  Does this mean people already selectively submitting that variety or that leaf-in-front is even more abundant than the 19.2% currently indicate?

We'll have to wait and see to know the real picture. Looking at Zhaoonline auctions it is obvious that Chinese collectors acknowledge the Large Date C variety with their high bids.

Var C in 69 RMB1586 - http://www.zhaoonline.com/xiongmaoxilie-yin/2396821.shtml
Var C in 70 RMB5253 - http://www.zhaoonline.com/xiongmaoxilie-yin/2416247.shtml

The Chinese collectors also bid higher for the 'tiny' frosting variation in the 1994 S5Y and the frosted\mirror gap of the 1995 S5Y SD. I don't think the last two varieties worth the double price they receive but this is just my opinion.  The Chinese collectors think otherwise  

[SANDAC]

Gilmore,
Another thing:  compare the ratio of MS 69+70 for the leaf-in-front to that of Var-A.  Different variety frequently have different grade distribution.

Welcome to the world of numismatic-geek! 

[Gilmore]

Gilmore,
Another thing:  compare the ratio of MS 69+70 for the leaf-in-front to that of Var-A.  Different variety frequently have different grade distribution.

Welcome to the world of numismatic-geek!  

I wish I knew how to mine for data myself. Luckily, dd55232 is very kind to provide me the data I ask for.

69's: A-262, B-24, C-58
70's: A-12, B-0, C-5

[PandaOrLunar]

I wish I knew how to mine for data myself..

Some grading companies have implemented CAPTCHA technology which make mining a bit difficult.

[SANDAC]

I wish I knew how to mine for data myself. Luckily, dd55232 is very kind to provide me the data I ask for.

69's: A-262, B-24, C-58
70's: A-12, B-0, C-5

So percentage of MS69+70:
for var-A, it is (262+12)/513 or 53%
for var-B + var-C, it is (24+58+5)/99 or 88%

Break out var-C, it is (58+5)/68 or 93%

Remarkably different grade distribution!

[pandacollector66]

I have found that the 1998 is the toughest to find for sale followed by the 1995 small date.  That said, I saw both for sale this week on eBay.  It's been a while since Ive seen a 1998 for sale.

[poconopenn]

There are two versions of 1998 1/2 oz silver panda.

[Pandapaule]

@poconopenn

Can you please show a picture of the Panda site? Are there differences?
Thank you very much

Pandapaule 

[SANDAC]

There are two versions of 1998 1/2 oz silver panda.

It is hard to find.  I have to go through about 100 to find three.  The three with date shift are NGC 3235839-073 and -074 and 2775591-040.  The obverse of date-shifted panda has same range of frosting variations as the normal one.  The animated GIF below compare 2779425-011 to 3235839-073.

[poconopenn]

@poconopenn

Can you please show a picture of the Panda site? Are there differences?
Thank you very much

Pandapaule 

There is no difference on panda side.

[Wafdawg]

There are two versions of 1998 1/2 oz silver panda.

There are two versions of 1998 1/2 oz silver panda.

There are two versions of 1998 1/2 oz silver panda.

Is this a shift date?

98

[Wafdawg]

I think we think the same.

An example of frosting I've received today. PCGS has recognized this variant. Good for me.  

I have these 2 small date pandas; not sure what the variety is. Can you tell me?  Thanks.