By Kerry Rodgers, World Coin News November 25, 2009

The 14th Beijing International Coin Exposition was held from Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the International Trade and Exhibition Centre in China’s capital. The event was hosted by China Gold Coin Corporation, the China Coin Museum and the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation.

The People’s Bank of China marked the occasion by issue of a commemorative 1-ounce .999 fine silver proof 10 yuan. The coin is 40 mm across and has a mintage of 30,000. It was struck by the Shenzhen Guobao Mint and is distributed solely by China Gold Coin Inc.

The obverse shows the logo of the Beijing International Coin Exposition at the center, flanked by a symbolic point-line design of coins spanning the globe. The PRC attribution is given in Chinese characters along with the year date. The overall design of the reverse is based around that of a traditional cash piece but has been decorated with partial coin designs from the Han Dynasty and Sassanian Empire. The legend, “Beijing International Coin Exposition” is given in both Chinese and English along with the face value.

Over the past decade and a half the Beijing Coin Expo has become a major international numismatic event where mints from around the world exhibit their new products to dealers from across the globe as well as a vast host of local collectors.

This particular expo coincided with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The occasion was marked with displays of currency issued since 1949, including a set of the first PRC yuan.

Among the international mints in attendance were those from Germany, Kazakhstan, Australia, South Africa, Spain and Poland, plus domestic Chinese mints. The Royal Canadian Mint offered attendees the opportunity to strike a commemorative medallion.

If you local dealer cannot supply an example of the new coin, try China Great Wall Coins Investments Ltd. Snail mail: Unit 4101, 41/F, Cosco Tower, 183 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong; phone: +852 2543 3199; fax: +852 2854 0039; Web: www.chinacoin.com.hk. Contact person is Mrs. Anita Chou: anita@gwcoin.imsbiz.com.hk.

More Resources:

• Standard Catalog of United States Obsolete Bank Notes 4-CD Set, 1782-1866

• Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins

• 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date, 4th Edition

• State Quarters Deluxe Collector's Folder