This is part of the 3rd series of colored coins issued by the People's Bank of China commemorating the renowned classical Chinese literature "Pilgrimage to the West", or better known as "Monkey King" to the West. The coins depict characters and scenes from the story. Written by Wu Ch'eng-en, it is based on a true story about a Chinese monk, Xuan Zang, as he traveled to the West to seeking the Sutra, the Buddhist holy book. Mingled with Chinese fairy tales, legends, popular beliefs and monster stories. It fallows Xuan Zang and his three disciples, one of which Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, through their stormy journey which is packed with actions and adventure.
This proof quality 1/2 oz. pure 99.9% gold coin portrays Chang'e subduing a monster rabbit in full color, with the face value of 200 Yuan People's Republic of China legal tender. The common obverse design is On The Scripture-seeking Route to India, the title of the PRC and year 2005. It has a strict limited mintage of only 11,800 coins.
