Description
The 1988 Macao Grand Prix 500 Patacas 5oz Silver Proof Coin was issued in commemoration of the “35th Anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix” formula car and motorcycle GP.
This Silver 5oz special “Crown Size” coin comes with its original mint issued blue box.
The obverse displays the formula Grand Prix race car with title Grand Premio and MACAU in the outer circle. The inner circle has the test “XXXV Aniversario and the years 1954-1988.
The reverse side depicts an ancient Chinese sailing ship known as a Chinese Junk with the words MACAU 500 Patacas displayed on the outer circle.
*There is light toning around the rim of coin. Also, appears to have a line below the first cross on the Junk side. Please feel free to contact for more information.
More information on Macau Grand Prix coins:
Macau Coins have been steadily rising even during a drop in precious metals prices. Macau Grand Prix coins and medals recently made headlines with one once silvers and golds selling in the thousands. These Silver and Gold Macau Grand Prix coins are the first issued for highly popular yearly Macau Grand Prix and are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. The famous Macau Grand Prix is said to be a stepping stone to the world of Formula 1 Grand Prix racing. Past winners include, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and a host of other top F1 drivers.
The popularity of the Macau Grande Premio series is ever growing as it continues to provide interesting turn-ups. For instance, the 1978 issue comes with a surprise Copper-nickle pattern coin. Est mintage is under 100. Still it is a rare coin that commands high prices at auctions.
The Macau 1988 Anniversary issue produced up to 10 Platinum 100 Patacas pieces. These have not been seen for sale in the market for years and are a true collectors dream. Additionally, The Macau Grand Prix race committee assembled together unique presentation sets featuring Gold, Silver, Bronze coins and Limited addition Macau Grand Prix Race notes. These sets were presented to the actual Macau Grand Prix race winning drivers and Racing Teams. Coins were also issued in Gold, Silver and Copper for this respected year.
The 1993 Macau Grand Prix 500 Patacas 5oz Silver Proof Coins were issued in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary. A one ounce silver and two 5 ounce coin designs were struck. One Crown Size in Silver and the rarely seen Sovereign Size Gold. All three of these 93 issues are well sought after and hard to acquire.
Macau Grand Prix series were again issued in 2014. Adding another twist to this interesting series, a collection of Gold, Silver and Platinum Macau Grande Prix medals were issued in celebration of the inaugural Macau International coin show. Just over a thousand in total were minted each displaying it’s unique number on the medal. Combining Macau to the Motherland China it was only right that on the obverse of this medal would display two Pandas along side Macau famous Ruins of St. Paul’s World Heritage Site. With the reverse side keeping with the Grand Prix racing cars.
Notably, another sales record was set when coins numbered 001 in both silver and gold were auctioned off at the Macau Coin Show. The silver sold for Usd $24,500 and the Gold issue selling for $34,500.
The year 2015 continues the series with Grand Prix/Panda medals again issued for the Macau Coin Society Show. This time in addition to the Silver, Gold and Platinum issues. A rare Copper-Nickel piece was issued with an estimate of only 100 pieces struck.
Notable drivers whom have won and participated in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix include Riccardo Patrese, Jean Alesi, Takuma Sato, Jenson Button, Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill, Ralf Shumacher, Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, among-st others. Including undoubted the two most recognized and popular drivers ever Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna !
So. who knows whats in store for attractive and highly successful collectors series. Only time will tell…
