China 100 Yuan 1 Ounce Gold Dragon 1988 Small Date PF68 NGC

The China 100 Yuan 1 Ounce Gold Dragon 1988 Small Date PF68 NGC is a distinguished and highly collectible coin from the early modern era of Chinese numismatics. Minted by the China Mint during a period of rapidly expanding international demand for Chinese bullion and proof coinage, this one-ounce gold proof features one of the most iconic and powerful symbols in Chinese culture: the dragon. With its intricate design, high-purity gold content, and a recognized variety—the Small Date—it stands as both a work of art and a coveted numismatic item. The PF68 grade from NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) ensures exceptional visual appeal, with near-flawless surfaces and sharp strike detail typical of high-end proof coinage.

The coin was issued in 1988, during a time when China was beginning to fully establish itself in the global bullion coin market. Following the success of the Panda series that launched in 1982, the China Mint introduced several other themed gold coins that celebrated cultural icons, legends, and historical events. The 1988 Gold Dragon coin was part of a larger series of commemorative issues intended to appeal to both domestic and international collectors. Dragons, revered for centuries in Chinese mythology as symbols of imperial authority, fortune, strength, and protection, were a natural choice for such a prestigious numismatic project.

The obverse design of the 1988 100 Yuan Gold Dragon coin features the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a towering symbol of China’s enduring strength, unity, and architectural accomplishment. The Great Wall is presented in a panoramic view, winding through mountainous terrain under a clear sky. The level of detail on this side of the coin is remarkable, especially in proof format, where the mirrored fields and frosted relief contrast beautifully. Surrounding the Great Wall image are inscriptions in Chinese characters denoting “中华人民共和国” (People’s Republic of China) and the year of issue, “1988.” The “Small Date” variety is characterized by a more compact and closely spaced year inscription, distinguishing it from the “Large Date” version of the same issue.

The reverse of the coin features an extraordinarily detailed image of a traditional Chinese dragon, its sinuous body coiled mid-flight among stylized clouds. The dragon's expression is fierce, its claws are extended, and its scaled body curls dynamically across the coin’s surface. This image embodies the spiritual and cultural reverence that Chinese civilization holds for dragons, considered benevolent beings associated with rain, fertility, power, and protection. Below the dragon is the denomination “100 元” (Yuan), and to the right of the design is the inscription denoting weight and purity: “1 oz Au .999,” affirming the coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine gold.

The 1988 Gold Dragon coin was struck at the Shanghai Mint, one of China's most prolific and historically important mints. Shanghai was known for producing many of the early modern commemorative gold and silver issues, and its craftsmanship is evident in the sharp detail and consistent quality of this coin. The mint employed state-of-the-art techniques to strike these proof coins, achieving deeply mirrored fields and strong frost on the raised devices. The Small Date variant is understood to have come from earlier production runs and was likely struck using a slightly different die set, creating its distinct date size and spacing.

The total mintage for the 1988 100 Yuan Gold Dragon proof coin was very limited. While exact production numbers vary by source, estimates typically place the figure around 10,000 pieces, with the Small Date variety accounting for only a portion of that total. Many of these coins were purchased by collectors in Asia or exported to the West, where interest in Chinese coins was growing rapidly. Given the coin’s age, size, and gold content, many pieces have likely been melted or remain in private hands, making well-preserved examples especially desirable. Today, the Small Date variety enjoys enhanced attention from numismatists who specialize in Chinese varieties, adding to its scarcity and appeal.

Graded PF68 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this example represents a nearly perfect proof coin. A PF68 grade indicates a piece with superior eye appeal, a sharp strike, and only the most minute imperfections detectable under magnification. The “Ultra Cameo” designation refers to the coin’s highly contrasting finish, where frosted design elements rise from deeply mirrored fields, creating a bold and visually striking appearance. Such coins are prized by collectors who seek top-tier specimens, particularly in a series where condition-sensitive issues like handling marks or haze can often detract from lower-grade examples.

The certified encapsulation by NGC ensures not only the coin’s authenticity and condition but also its specific variety designation, clearly marked on the label as the “Small Date.” For collectors who focus on varieties, this labeling is essential, as it differentiates the coin from the more common Large Date variant and solidifies its status in the registry of elite modern Chinese coins. Encapsulation also offers long-term protection from environmental damage, further preserving the coin’s grade and appeal for generations to come.

The Gold Dragon coin holds tremendous symbolic weight, particularly in Chinese culture where dragons are associated with good fortune, imperial legacy, and cosmic energy. Unlike Western mythology, which often portrays dragons as destructive beasts, the Chinese dragon is seen as a positive force, a guardian of water and bringer of rain, and a metaphor for human potential and leadership. Its appearance on a high-value gold coin reinforces these themes, making it an especially meaningful acquisition for collectors with cultural or personal connections to its symbolism.

The one-ounce gold format adds an investment dimension to this already prestigious numismatic item. Gold remains a universal store of value, and when paired with artistic excellence, limited mintage, and a certified high grade, the coin’s intrinsic and collectible value are elevated further. As collectors around the world turn to modern Chinese numismatics for both aesthetic enjoyment and portfolio diversification, coins like the 1988 Gold Dragon—especially in rare varieties and top grades—are gaining increasing recognition and demand in international markets.

The China 100 Yuan 1 Ounce Gold Dragon 1988 Small Date PF68 NGC stands as a masterwork of modern Chinese coinage. Its exquisite design, cultural depth, limited mintage, and recognized variety place it among the most celebrated gold proofs of its era. With a near-perfect proof grade and encapsulation by one of the world’s foremost grading services, it is a coin that offers beauty, prestige, and long-term potential. Whether part of a Chinese variety set, a dragon-themed collection, or a precious metals portfolio, this coin is a prized numismatic treasure of lasting significance.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1988
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A