Griffon said:
"Why the high prices [at Hosane Auctions]?
a) Bribes and money laundering
b) Pump and dump
c) High quality coins combined with high demand."
1. Nope... just because Daniel Zhao is suspected of selling a stolen coin, does not indicate that Hosane Auction prices are not accurate.
I have bid and won on many items through Hosane's Auctions, and can attest that the items
I have purchased have been at fair market value, and often higher.
Not just Pandas, but also some world coins. E.g this one:
2. In regards to this specific coin that is suspected as being "stolen".
It sold for LESS (approx. $290,000USD) than it's expected price of $400,000USD ... NOT more which many of these posts are suggesting.
Peter Anthony writes: "The buyer got quite a bargain", said noted collector Fan Huang. "Many potential buyers in China decided to boycott the sale, knowing that Hosane had bought the coin from an untitled seller then was selling it in their own auction. When the true owner discovered his missing coin in the Hosane catalog, he publicized the situation in China after Hosane's President Daniel Zhao both refused to withdraw it and cooperate in a generous proposal for its return." Mr. Huang believes that in less controversial circumstances, this rarity might have brought $400,000 or more.
3. Also in regards to the specific coin that is suspect as being "stolen"
Peter Anthony writes: "The legal title to a very rare China 1998 gold 5 ounce "Spring Festival" coin (reported as selling for over US$290,000 in the Hosane June 2012 auction in Shanghai) has been called into question."
This coin was purchased in Germany, but later sold in China. As to whether the seller in Germany is liable, or the seller in China (Daniel Zhao) is liable, in my opinion is the real question.