Series III Gold coins are 1/3-ounce each and have the following designs:

The main design of the first gold coin from Series III is Chinese ancient wrestling, which derives from the Dunhuang mural of "Prince Sumo Wrestling" found in northwest China's Gansu Province. The mural was crafted over 1,500 years ago. The design depicts a vivid scene of two wrestlers fighting forcefully with each other, interlocked in a state of stalemate. The lower left part of the coin features the pictogram of wrestling designed specifically for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

The main design of the second gold coin from Series III is Chinese ancient cuju, which was an ancient Chinese soccer game. It derives from a painting of "Cuju" during the Yuan Dynasty over 800 years ago. The main figure has complete control of the ball, and is totally engaged in the game. His dress clearly indicates his high social status. In the upper right corner of the coin there is a pictogram for soccer designed specifically for the games of the XXIX Olympiad.

There are four (4) Series III Silver coins that are 1-ounce each, with all four coins having colored images that are divided on the coins obverse by the design of traditional Chinese window lattice. They have the following designs:

1.) Beijing Opera - A cultural treasure in China, the Beijing Opera is performed through operatic singing, acting, speech and movement. The right side of the coin features a colored mask that is prevalent in Beijing Opera.

2.) Chinese Yangge Dance - Very popular in the north of China, Chinese Yangee Dance is a form of folk dance of the Han Nationality in China. Dancers usually hold handkerchiefs and silk fans in their hands while dancing. The coin features dancers with vivid expressions and features a colored design from Chinese folk art on the right side of the coin - Paper-cut.

3.) Lion Dance - Popular throughout China, Lion Dance requires a high degree of skill. During the dance the lions portray power through a variety of movements such as jumping, tumbling, climbing, and standing. The colored design on the right side of the coin comes from Chinese folk art - folk shadowgraph.

4.) Beijing Tea Stall - This coin features the traditional scene in local teahouse in Beijing. Featuring a design of tea drinking, eating, and cross talking, Beijing Tea Stall has been a place of popular entertainment for citizens of old Beijing. The right side of the coin features a colored design with the Spring Festival picture.

In addition to the coins of the complete Olympic set, we also have images of the brand new 1-kilogram silver proof coin and 5-ounce gold proof coin issued exclusively with Series III. They have the following designs:

The 1-kilogram silver proof coin features Chinese Folk Sports (Tug-Of-War in the foreground and Tai chi in the background).

The 5-ounce gold proof coin features modern sports.

Both coins have a reverse featuring the official Beijing 2008 Olympic logo with two dragons intertwined.

These exclusive coins can be purchased from authorized distributor Panda America.
www.PandaAmerica.com  |  800-472-6327

Design Themes