Watch List notes:

China (People's Republic), gold 500 yuan (1 oz) Panda, 2002, frosted bamboo (Shenzen Guobao mint), NGC MS 69. KM-1460; PAN-349B. Only two higher at MS 70 in the current NGC census specifically for this variety and only eighteen more at that grade without variety specified. All the MS gold of 2002 are scarce, and 2002 is a key year in general (in fact the only year to repeat the design from the previous year, albeit with a new edge-reeding that is diagonal instead of vertical). The "mirrored bamboo" versions, referring to branch tips at the rim, are accompanied by a lower neckline on the panda and indicate Shanghai mint; the "frosted bamboo" versions come from the Shenzen mint. Mintage for both mints: 150,000 planned; 28,345 actual; estimated extant (both varieties)