Aureus, I don't think anyone is suggesting or has suggested to stack these and hold no lower premium silver.
I've bought Perth Mint Lunar, Kookaburras & Koala silver coins at bullion prices. I have plenty of other lower premiums silver coins and bars too.
I don't have any pandas, but can see the appeal and think those looking at bullion coins (e.g. spot + $10) would do fine to add some to their stack.
I understand your apprehension over this coins hype, but I don't think "The Chinese as a market, you know, the ones who buy real numismatics" need to be interested in this coin for it to perform well from the original release prices. I would say the west (as a market) has had a lot more to do with driving the price of modern numismatic coins in recent history than the Chinese, so when you say the Chinese wouldn't like a Lunar Skull coin, frankly I don't care because it's obvious there are plenty of people who will and the mintage is only 500 coins.
I think this coin has enough unique factors including the low mintage, great design, unique take on the lunar series & serial number etched on the coin, to perform well from release price. I do think that the quality of the final product will play a part in future prices.
As for those prepared to pay $200-300+ for the coin, they are taking a bigger risk of course, but only if they intend on selling it for a premium in the future. For those collecting a single coin for it's appeal & to collect then the price paid doesn't matter so much if it's from disposable income.
I've bought Perth Mint Lunar, Kookaburras & Koala silver coins at bullion prices. I have plenty of other lower premiums silver coins and bars too.
I don't have any pandas, but can see the appeal and think those looking at bullion coins (e.g. spot + $10) would do fine to add some to their stack.
I understand your apprehension over this coins hype, but I don't think "The Chinese as a market, you know, the ones who buy real numismatics" need to be interested in this coin for it to perform well from the original release prices. I would say the west (as a market) has had a lot more to do with driving the price of modern numismatic coins in recent history than the Chinese, so when you say the Chinese wouldn't like a Lunar Skull coin, frankly I don't care because it's obvious there are plenty of people who will and the mintage is only 500 coins.
I think this coin has enough unique factors including the low mintage, great design, unique take on the lunar series & serial number etched on the coin, to perform well from release price. I do think that the quality of the final product will play a part in future prices.
As for those prepared to pay $200-300+ for the coin, they are taking a bigger risk of course, but only if they intend on selling it for a premium in the future. For those collecting a single coin for it's appeal & to collect then the price paid doesn't matter so much if it's from disposable income.