I have a complete set of the 1984 Silver Goldfish Medals/Coins in the original box. I've had it since the late 80's and have enjoyed looking at it from time to time. I've never been able to find much about it and am very appreciative for the latest research and information. I believe it is the 1984 silver version of the goldfish set (each weights approximately 22g). At this point I am planning on having them graded. Based on the results I'll probably be even more confused whether to sell or hold for another 25 years! Which way do you see the Chinese coin/medal market going from here?
I see that was your first post, so welcome to our forum!
The 1984 goldfish are extremely, extremely rare. They are closely related to the pagodas (nobody knows why yet, other than having the same date). The pagodas have a mintage of 260 and there are around 50 known surviving sets. There is no mintage information for the 1984 goldfish, but it is clear that they are far, far rarer. Right now, I would estimate that there are around 15 to 20 known surviving sets out there.
More pagodas and goldfish could be discovered in the future, but it is a near-certainty that the supply will never be able to keep up with the demand. In other words, prices are likely to remain on an upward trend over the long term, forever.
There are a few key coins that sit in the elite level that only a few of us have access to. The 1984 goldfish are part of that elite level. They are probably rarer than the 1984 great wall, which can sell for a 5 figure price, as pandamonium mentioned. There are some extremely rare coins that are still available enough that they could be purchased within a year by a determined buyer.
As pandamonium has mentioned, I have been trying to buy the 1984 goldfish, and they have been harder to find than most of the rarest-of-the-rare pandas. Only a few pattern panda coins are harder to obtain than 1984 goldfish.
There is no question, if you are lucky enough to own a 1984 goldfish set, it would be wise of you to keep it. Furthermore, it's the kind of coin that would be wise for your heirs to keep, too. I feel the 1984 goldfish are worthy of becoming the heirlooms of a wealthy family.