For a rare issue coin (even with 3 types) I'm seeing these things in all varieties flood the market of late. I realize the ebb and flow and discovery process, but if these are that rare, how do the dealers have so many to unload at the same time!! You would think they would release them gradually as prices move up.
Did you forget about the 50 coin hoard? It takes a while to sell those, especially after prices have risen. Also, I'm pretty sure you're not seeing the super clouded claw flood the market. There are very few of those that have appeared.
I just checked with some people who own portions of the 50 coin hoard, and there are still 30 coins that have not been brought to the market yet. That means that only 20 of them are available to the market now, or have been recently. I have not seen that many coins sell yet, so I'm pretty sure we're still working through that initial 20 coins.
It's one reason why I think they're such a good investment - most people are thinking exactly like you are, and not really understanding that this plentiful supply is a gift from the gods (the Chinese ones), and it won't last - not at these prices.
I think the 87 3.3 tael God of Longevity is truly more rare as you do not see these often, and the last PF69 went out over 2300.00 on heavy biding. The only one currently listed for sale is a raw coin being sold by kirin. He keeps increasing the price every day and is currently asking 2995.00.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230592372760&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
The 1987 god of longevity has a lower mintage. It is around 1300 to 1500, if I remember correctly. I do not think an ungraded specimen is worth $3k, but then again, this coin is quite rare. The reason why I don't talk about it as much is because it's not underpriced like the god of war and wealth is. It's rare, and it's expensive, just like it should be.
Also, we have to consider a coins eye appeal as well as rarity. The God of War/Wealth is an angry looking man. The God of Longevity is pleasing to the eye and reminds us of a caring overseer. The coins share the same shield surrounded by the Dragon (King) and Phoenix (Queen)...
The god of longevity is a masterpiece of art. No argument there! The god of war and wealth is kind of a macho symbol that everybody loves. I'm not sure either is better. Young people prefer the god of war and wealth. Old people prefer the god of longevity. Both represent people's hopes, at different times in their lives. You really need to have both, in my opinion :)