What a difference in the last six months.  Generic coins have taken off!  I categorized coins into three very basic categories:

Common/Generic
Good/Stable
Great/Low Mintage

Six months ago, generic coins were selling at very low prices.  These coins were hit the hardest with a downturn and these coins rebounded the most.  Six months ago, I was able to purchase generic Gold Pandas at 5-10% over spot.  Now these coins sell for 25-400% over spot.  These coins have seen tremendous appreciation and it does not seem like it is going to end. 

Common Silver Pandas were selling six months ago for $10 over melt.  Now it is difficult to find a Silver Panda in MS69 for less than $100.  The same coins in MS70 are very sought after and thus very expensive.  It seems like the MS 70's are roughly 3X the price of the MS69's.  Once again, I can't stress the huge difference in price from six months ago.  

Let's examine why.  Common/Generic coins are priced so everyone can afford, the downside is small and these are highly collected type of coins so there is a large audience.  These coins seem to be very solid as they continue to rise in price. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum are the Low Mintage coins.  These are Great, expensive coins.  This market is still on fire and shows no sign of slowing down due to so few pieces working against such a large demand. 

This means two of the three segments are deeply rooted and very strong.

The third segment is the Good/Stable coins.  These are more "the middle of the road" coins.  Not all of these coins have faired as well as their counterparts.  These middle of the road coins have experienced a squeeze between the Generic and Great coins.  Many people have sold or not purchased Good/Stable type of coins to make room for Generic and Great coins - thus the squeeze.  Everyone is placing their money in Generic and Great coins.  This is why this segment has been more stagnant for now.  Some prices have even retreated a small amount. 

Pandas have taken center stage.  Gold and Silver Pandas have exploded.  I can't believe the new prices.  There is so much information about these coins from people like Peter Anthony (PandaCollector.com.)  More on this in a future blog in the next few days.

                                              COLLECT - INVEST - HAVE FUN.............