China's largest gold coin auctioned for $1.18 mn

The large coin was auctioned off by China Guardian Auctions Co. Ltd. after 22 rounds of bidding Saturday.

Minted in 2000, the coin is the heaviest gold coin minted ever since the Chinese government started minting gold and silver coins in 1949, said Guo Xueguang, manager with the philatelic items and coin department in Guardian Auctions.

The coin is 99.99 percent gold, with a par value of 30,000 yuan. It combines both traditional and modern markings, making it highly valuable for collectors, he said.

Gold and silver coins have become more popular in recent years for their surging prices and ability to resist inflation.