heyimderrick said:
Hasn't the mintage limit of 2011 and beyond pandas been raised significantly though?
Indeed, the mintage of the 2011s has been increased, but the supply of them is still relatively low, whereas the demand for them continues to grow.
If we approach it from the supply angle:
6,000,000x 1oz 2011 Silver Pandas is a low supply for a population of 1.4billion people. (only 1 person in 233 people can possibly hope to have one)
If we factor in more nations the supply drops even more.
6million Pandas is relatively few when you consider that America can mint 6million ASEs in a month.
If we factor in that many people don't buy only one, but usually much more, then 6million really is a very miniscule number. (Obviously not as small as a mintage of 4,000; but it is small considering about 35million ASEs were minted in 2010)
If we approach it from the demand angle:
Demand for Pandas is increasing domestically (and internationally).
As China becomes more wealthy, the number of investors (and collectors) is likely to grow.
If we approach it from the marketing angle:
Obviously older Pandas will perform better in the short, mid and long term.
By exposing the market to many recent Pandas (2010s and 2011s) they have effectively stimulated demand for the older coins too.
Critical Point:
Supply of all Pandas is tight, including the 2011s (in relation to the annual supply of Maples/ASEs/etc).
Demand for all Pandas is growing, including the 2011s.
As China continues to grow, the number of coin collectors is likely to grow also.
As the RMB/Yuan appreciates against the USD, these coins become more affordable to the local Chinese.
In short:
All Pandas are likely to increase in price, more than mere spot rates too. (This has happened before, is happening now, and is likely to continue)
2011s are likely to appreciate too, much more than ASEs/Maples, etc, but obviously not as much as the older Pandas.
As witnessed (again) in the recent drop in spots, Pandas have been divinely blessed with a significant advantage. When spot drops, their prices remain relatively unchanged (excluding the 2011s). But when spot increases, their prices increase.
...
Just imagine you are given $1million dollars in the year 2001. (This is a conservative example, if I used 2000 stats, the results would be even more amazing)
If you purchased ASEs at $5/oz (200,000oz), today you would have made about 6times your fiat ($30/oz; worth $6million).. but unfortunately your stack would still only be worth 200,000oz of silver. [Once again... bullion generally does not grow in value]
If you purchase all 2001D Pandas at $6/oz (166,667oz), today you would have made more than 20times your fiat ($140/oz; worth $23,333,333).. AND your stack would be convertible for more than 777,777oz. [Once again... Pandas generally grow in value]
...
Today is the year 2011, in ten years time, I can confidently say that one 2011 ASE will be worth the same amount as one 2021 ASE. (It has once again preserved value)
However, in ten years time, I can confidently say that one 2011 Panda will be worth much more than one 2021 Panda. (Especially if China is the leading superpower or next major superpower by that time)