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Crossroads in my collecting

gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭
in Precious Metals
Just thinking out loud here. I have begun to "soften" just a little on my gold panda complete set pursuit. Its becoming harder (and as a result more frustrating) to find new coins for my set. I have thus far completed in the neighborhood of around 45% of the 144 coin set by weight. The 144 total coins thus far for a complete set weighs a hefty 55+ ounces. I have thought about WHY I have chosen pandas as my collecting theme, and have decided that im more interested in just the bullion aspect rather than the numismatic challenge. Im thinking of making a complete switchover to all 1/4 oz AGE's to have some uniformity to my collection. Its so much easier to find these in random dates than it is to find specific dates of pandas when I have a surplus of cash and a desire to buy some gold. Also factoring into my thinking is that I like the idea of having bare metal rather than the plastic mylar covered pandas. Dont get me wrong, I do love the different designs of the panda series, but skin on metal just feels so much nicer than skin on mylar I think. The final factor is price. 1/4 oz AGE's can be had pretty much any day of the week at melt + 8% or so. Pandas (and dates/sizes play a huge factor) range anywhere from melt +8% all the way up to 4x melt!!! And since a decent portion of my collection contains some very scarce key dates, I figure by selling the pandas, and buying AGE's I can possibly add a few ounces of gold to my total. What do you guys think?

Comments

  • gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    Don't rush. Start on the AGE's and keep the Panda's the series you seem to really enjoy.
    Avid collector of GSA's.
  • secondrepublicsecondrepublic Posts: 2,619 ✭✭✭
    Keep the key date Pandas and sell the common ones. I think the key dates could go up a lot in value over the coming years.
    "Men who had never shown any ability to make or increase fortunes for themselves abounded in brilliant plans for creating and increasing wealth for the country at large." Fiat Money Inflation in France, Andrew Dickson White (1912)
  • fivecentsfivecents Posts: 11,207 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i> I figure by selling the pandas, and buying AGE's I can possibly add a few ounces of gold to my total. What do you guys think? >>

    I say go for it.


    << <i>and have decided that im more interested in just the bullion aspect rather than the numismatic challenge. >>

    Then sell or trade off the numismatic premium items and start stacking an even larger pile of yellow metal.image
  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i> I figure by selling the pandas, and buying AGE's I can possibly add a few ounces of gold to my total. What do you guys think? >>

    I say go for it.


    << <i>and have decided that im more interested in just the bullion aspect rather than the numismatic challenge. >>

    Then sell or trade off the numismatic premium items and start stacking an even larger pile of yellow metal.image >>





    This is what im thinking.....I would never just sell the common dates to get AGE's because I might actually LOSE gold on that transaction when all fees are considered. My personality flaw is that im all or nothing. I dont want a mishmash of different bullion if I decide to do this. Its gonna be one big exchange if I go for it. My wife is providing plenty of resistance though because she hates change, AND loves the 24kt stuff. It's gonna be a hard sell on her, but im working on her a little at a time with pros and cons of this possible switcharoo. FYI, she said the exact same as GSA, start buying 1/4 AGE's right now and do nothing with the pandas.
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    Get rid of the rare ones and use that to buy more gold
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  • gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    For me personally while I've been concentrating on PM's. Killer GSA's have come up for sale that I've bought.

    Fooling with a different series might ease your want to have it all right now.
    Avid collector of GSA's.
  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 22,826 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Why not leave the Pandas alone, just leave them as they are - and start in on the 1/4 oz. AGEs with new money?

    After a time, you will decide which (or both) still floats your boat. And in the meantime, your wife won't have to deal with the angst of losing sight of the Pandas - at least not right away.

    As you said, if you trade in one for the other you are losing in transaction costs. Why accelerate the process? Why not just transition into what you like, and liquidate on your own schedule?
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  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,128 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I say stick with the Pandas, since you are already so far down the road.
    TD
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • CiccioCiccio Posts: 1,405 ✭
    Gecko, for what I saw from the pics you posted here, your collection is truly amazing.
    I can only say: don't do it or you will regret it.
    If I had to, I would rather sell all my (yours) silver (and even the Degussa bars!) to keep the Pandas.
    Think about the variety the have, nothing compared to AGEs, in my opinion.
    Enjoy pursuing your goal, if the series will never be completed, who cares, at least you had fun trying.
  • trozautrozau Posts: 3,455 ✭✭✭
    If you are considering switching to 1/4 oz AGEs, why not consider the same for your unfinished panda collection and just stick with 1 size (1/4 or 1/2 oz) instead of trying to get all the sizes for all the years.

    Oh wait, I think that is what I did! I went with all the 1 oz size. image
    trozau (troy ounce gold)
  • percybpercyb Posts: 3,324 ✭✭✭✭
    Don't sell your Pandas no matter what!! You'll regret it in a few years.
    "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world." PBShelley
  • NitroCruiserNitroCruiser Posts: 654
    If the wife likes 24 kt. collect the Buffalo fractionals, one year and done! The collection is complete. image
  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>If you are considering switching to 1/4 oz AGEs, why not consider the same for your unfinished panda collection and just stick with 1 size (1/4 or 1/2 oz) instead of trying to get all the sizes for all the years.

    Oh wait, I think that is what I did! I went with all the 1 oz size. image >>




    Maybe narrowing down my focus a little will help. But I still have that "skin on mylar" thingy i'd have to get over. Some would say to just cut all my pandas free from their "coin condoms", but that would instantly reduce the collection's value by at least 5%, and perhaps even quite a bit more!
  • trozautrozau Posts: 3,455 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>If you are considering switching to 1/4 oz AGEs, why not consider the same for your unfinished panda collection and just stick with 1 size (1/4 or 1/2 oz) instead of trying to get all the sizes for all the years.

    Oh wait, I think that is what I did! I went with all the 1 oz size. image >>




    Maybe narrowing down my focus a little will help. But I still have that "skin on mylar" thingy i'd have to get over. Some would say to just cut all my pandas free from their "coin condoms", but that would instantly reduce the collection's value by at least 5%, and perhaps even quite a bit more! >>


    I keep mine in their soft plastic pouches but put them in 2x2 Whitman hard plastic snap ons for easier handling and viewing (except for the less than handful that comes in hard plastic inside the soft plastic pouch). Should be easier with fractional sizes. image

    If and when I liberate them from the soft plastic pouches, AirTite with rings will be my choice to move them in.
    trozau (troy ounce gold)
  • gsa1fangsa1fan Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    Are they worth more in mylar pouch than in a TGP slab?

    Also, I always remember hearing you say how boring a never changing series is.
    Avid collector of GSA's.
  • SilverBaronSilverBaron Posts: 767 ✭
    I am in the keep the Pandas & start on the AGE's camp. image

    I really think that you will regret selling the Pandas.

    How about "giving" the Pandas to the wife while you start on the Eagles?
    Silver Baron
    ********************
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  • BBNBBN Posts: 3,761 ✭✭✭
    my opinion is to keep the 1/4 pandas and sell the rest

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  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,128 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>If you are considering switching to 1/4 oz AGEs, why not consider the same for your unfinished panda collection and just stick with 1 size (1/4 or 1/2 oz) instead of trying to get all the sizes for all the years.

    Oh wait, I think that is what I did! I went with all the 1 oz size. image >>




    Maybe narrowing down my focus a little will help. But I still have that "skin on mylar" thingy i'd have to get over. Some would say to just cut all my pandas free from their "coin condoms", but that would instantly reduce the collection's value by at least 5%, and perhaps even quite a bit more! >>



    Buy one common 1/4 ounce already out of plastic, and whenever you are overwhelmed with the urge to "fondle your gold," take that one out and make yourself happy......

    image
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • Kd5ddoKd5ddo Posts: 208 ✭
    I say hold off on the pandas and start on the AGEs. If a good deals comes around or someone offers you a nice premium to a panda you are not too attached to, then take the offer. But i wouldnt get rid of the pandas in one fell swoop....
    Remember that the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.

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  • MrOrganicMrOrganic Posts: 1,366
    Focus on the 1/4 AGE BUT if a panda you need comes up in your search for AGE..... grab the panda!

    Best of both worlds

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  • dac076dac076 Posts: 817 ✭
    I'm curious why some expect pandas to rise in value. Are you just attributing it just to an expected increase in the price of gold? Or to an increase in demand specifically for pandas, maybe due to an increase in Chinese demand?
  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>I'm curious why some expect pandas to rise in value. Are you just attributing it just to an expected increase in the price of gold? Or to an increase in demand specifically for pandas, maybe due to an increase in Chinese demand? >>




    It is the nation with the fastest growing population of new millionaires in the world, by far! For purely speculative reasons, it would be wise to hold my pandas for now. I think thats what I have decided to do, thanks for the advice fellas. All new gold purchases will be in the form of 1/4 oz AGE's until I can get my head right.



    "Buy one common 1/4 ounce already out of plastic, and whenever you are overwhelmed with the urge to "fondle your gold," take that one out and make yourself happy......"

    Thats some funny stuff right there!!!

    image
  • cjmezzcjmezz Posts: 467
    Hold the Pandas and definitely sell the Degussa bars...............to me!! image
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  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>Hold the Pandas and definitely sell the Degussa bars...............to me!! image >>





    That 100 gram Degussa bar is the "crown jewel" of my entire bullion collection....cant sell that!!!!
  • cjmezzcjmezz Posts: 467
    I don't blame you one bit.....when i got my grubby paws on my 10g bar......i don't think i could even let her go (unless we were talkin moon money..then anything is for sale! )
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  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>I don't blame you one bit.....when i got my grubby paws on my 10g bar......i don't think i could even let her go (unless we were talkin moon money..then anything is for sale! ) >>





    I DO have 2 of the 10 gram bars I could let go if the price was right though. I only need/want 1 of each of the 4 sizes, but I have 3 of the 10's. I would trade the 2 bars for 3 of the 1/4 AGE's. That would be 20 grams for you, and 23.3 grams for me.image
  • cjmezzcjmezz Posts: 467
    wish I could help...but I don't own a single 1/4 AGE........sorry man!
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  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>wish I could help...but I don't own a single 1/4 AGE........sorry man! >>




    Thats ok, they will go to auction on ebay tonight along with a few "expendable" pandas.
  • Kd5ddoKd5ddo Posts: 208 ✭
    --"That 100 gram Degussa bar is the "crown jewel" of my entire bullion collection....cant sell that!!!! "--



    Really silly question for some im sure, but what is the big deal about the Degussa bars?
    Remember that the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.

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  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>--"That 100 gram Degussa bar is the "crown jewel" of my entire bullion collection....cant sell that!!!! "--



    Really silly question for some im sure, but what is the big deal about the Degussa bars? >>




    They are unlike any other small gold bars on the market. I think you really need one in hand to appreciate them.
  • cjmezzcjmezz Posts: 467
    I would have to agree..you have to hold one first to see just how "cool" they really are. I have many 1g and 5g paper thin bars that you could just bend in half, etc.....not that way with these old style Degussa bars. The 10g is about as thick as a silver dollar....they actually feel like you are holding a "chunk" of gold instead of something paper thin.....very cool bars...i purchased my 10g bar recently, and must say, I am hooked!
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  • HalfStrikeHalfStrike Posts: 2,202 ✭✭✭
    I think the outlook for some of the gold pandas blows away the the AGE coins except for the 2008 W low mintage AGE.
  • ttownttown Posts: 4,472 ✭✭✭
    That's what happened to me in 79/80 I was buying bullion and then Pandas when they came out in 1982. This time around I went right for the pre-1933 US gold coins. If PM's were to tank the only downside is I can buy more and have a nice gold collection that someone actually cares about. I've got AGE's, Buffs, and ASE's too but they'll be the first out the door when I sell.
  • PreTurbPreTurb Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭
    I’d be inclined to sell the premium stuff (Pandas) and turn it onto (a greater quantity of) generic stuff.

    Years ago, I accumulated thousands of ounces of poured silver bars with the intent of writing a “reference book”. I quickly learned that it would take now until doomsday to fully identify and document all the different types of poured bars that existed. When poured bars came into vogue, I sold them for a premium and put the $ into generic. No regrets whatsoever.
  • KUCHKUCH Posts: 1,186
    gecko109, keep the Pandas. Your collection must be amazing.
  • Norseman88Norseman88 Posts: 962


    << <i>gecko109, keep the Pandas. Your collection must be amazing. >>



    I've got an amazing collection of Silver Panda's much of which I bought for $1.50 over spot. Gold's overpriced relative to Silver.
  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i>gecko109, keep the Pandas. Your collection must be amazing. >>



    I've got an amazing collection of Silver Panda's much of which I bought for $1.50 over spot. Gold's overpriced relative to Silver. >>




    Can we please see a photo?image
  • Norseman88Norseman88 Posts: 962


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>gecko109, keep the Pandas. Your collection must be amazing. >>



    I've got an amazing collection of Silver Panda's much of which I bought for $1.50 over spot. Gold's overpriced relative to Silver. >>




    Can we please see a photo?image >>



    It isn't that amazing actually several 1/2 oz. panda's but mostly 1 oz. panda's, I was just being a dick to you like you are to me.image
  • gecko109gecko109 Posts: 8,231 ✭
    Kuch: gecko109, keep the Pandas. Your collection must be amazing.

    Norseman: I've got an amazing collection of Silver Panda's much of which I bought for $1.50 over spot. Gold's overpriced relative to Silver.

    Gecko: Can we please see a photo?

    Noreseman: It isn't that amazing actually several 1/2 oz. panda's but mostly 1 oz. panda's, I was just being a dick to you like you are to me.




    DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS FOLKS!image
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