There are so many very very nice Panda coins or medals to buy that I do not understand why some people buy these ugly Pandas for more than 2000 USD.
If these were quietly put on eBay, I suspect no one would buy them at such a price.
If someone aggressively promotes them on multiple fronts, appealing to a buyer's desire to make lots of money, however, you have some hopeful buyers. And, by the way, you better not think too much or too long, because the prices are rising as we speak, as "smarter" investors are buying them while they are "cheap." Also, don't ask other people about them, just listen to us, the people who control the supply and pricing or otherwise have a vested interest in having you not discover more about the true long term investment potential of these products.
I've seen too many new collectors get pulled into such a sales pitch, and it end badly for them. If I had not been a conservative investor by nature who tends to be skeptical, I think I would have fallen for a previous version of this promotional pitch a few years ago. I'm now a moderator, and I think it is important to play a role in raising awareness, so that people don't get swept into things by people who don't hold their best interests at heart. I will again take some heat online for saying things, I will be painted in a harsh light in some forums, but if I play a role in helping prevent a person's hard earned money being lured down an unproductive path and into someone else's pocket, I will sleep better at night.
By the way, Barsenault, this isn't targeted directly at you. My person gut feeling is that you have, in part, been manipulated by others, but I think you are starting to understand the full scope of the strategy of some. Beware of silver tongued puppet masters.
The words I've typed are solely my opinion, and do not represent those of the other moderators or the owner of this forum.
I'm happy to step down as moderator if people think I am not being sufficiently diplomatic. I have never been one to hold my tongue when I see something inappropriate going on.