There is a bullion version of this coin (non vapor blasted). The bullion version was released first along with a lot of hysteria around that set. If I remember right they were hard to get and prices zoomed. These are the coins that fell back to bullion value. The mint had initially many production problems with these coins and it shows on these non-bullion coins. They are not very attractive and most of the ones I've seen had very visible imperfections. When people finally got their high priced coins there was a lot of disappointment. Some months later the Mint released the "proof" versions which was a much more attractive coin. The production problems had been worked out and of course since it was a collector's coin, they spent time making sure they looked nice. (vapor blast) The collector's issuance, compared to the bullion issuance, was rather muted and those coins sold without the hysteria that came with the first set. It's the Hot Springs from this set that is doing so well.
Whether original bullion version or the later vapor blasted collector edition, there are still some that will argue that these "coins" are 'just bullion'. However, I've yet to hear of anyone that believes, and wants everyone else to believe, that these are 'just bullion' offering to sell a 'P' mint 5 oz. Hot Springs (or any other P mint 5 oz.) at the price of bullion.
2010-P 5 oz Silver ATB Hot Springs PCGS SP-70 First Strike is a special bullion coin (very low mintage, w/ obvious numismatic value) but probably not worth more than ~$300. resale. These coins sell for a few hunj on eBay; I doubt the market's moving north. Beware of Mint gimmicks! http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/504970?redir=t Only a fool would pay APMEX's current Ask, IMO, but there's no shortage of fools in America.
Try using some perspective. It IS an indication where prices on this coin are headed regardless of whether fools or anyone else purchases this coin. For those of us who own one, it was a nice buy.
How do you know? The price on all coins on Apmex always goes up? I do not follow what you are saying..... I don't think anyone said it was a bad buy, well maybe a bad buy at $1100, but I doubt you paid that much.......
Yes they did but I won't debate the meaning of "fool" when used to describe a coin purchase. In any case, I bought the coin from the Mint at issuance time for $279. Since the coin was not available until mid 2011, I'd say that is a very handsome return.
It's not my place nor my desire to criticize other coin collectors for their choices. It's presumptuous and a waste of time. If they are happy with their purchase, that is all that matters.
Though the ones that say it bullion (like me)wouldn't have bought it at such a high premium over spot now would they. So if they didn't buy at a premium they wouldn't have any to sell, ya think