How many people collect $200 strikes? I would bet less than 150.

If Slots A Fun was having so much trouble getting rid of their first $200 strike, how come they had to quickly order ten more to meet the demand before their new strikes were ready? And if I remember the chronology correctly, those ten lasted only three days. Why was it significant that the mintage went to 160.

Allegedly,SAF was having trouble moving the 200s. Can anyone give me the first date the first SAF 200s went into play? Feb 25th is the 56th day of 2003. As I recall, Palms #1 went in to play on 9-17 and SAF was well after that. Assuming it was Sept 17th, from that date to Dec 31, 2002 adds another 106 days. That totals 162 days, which would be a $200 strike per day at SAF. That certainly doesn't sound like a poor average to me. The protestation that they were slowing down sounds like BS to me. Looks like someone decided they could fan the flame by creating an artificial scarcity by ending the run at 150 and then divide the next 250 so there would really be two strikes of 125. And then, they can do it again for the next 250 and the next 250. That's greed at its most naked and we collectors are the victims.

The first Plaza 200 was an issue of 258. The first Las Vegas Club was 300. Everyone played at leisure and there were enough to go around. The price remains stable. No one manipulated the collectors who were satisfied and the casinos were happy with the program.

I am not saying it is wrong for a casino or a dealer to make a profit. But let's put this in perspective. If someone sells a significant number of $200 strikes at $349.95, there is a substantial profit. Of all the 200s I have played for, I think only one cost me more than $350. The lowest was $149.75 for Palms number 2. I would estimate my average at no more than $275. With an announced low mintage, everyone jumps on the strikes with a Buy It Now. If the casino announced that the strike would be there for six months to a year, no matter how many were minted, we could all be patient and play for or trade for the strike at leisure. There would be no incentive for dealers to obtain these strikes and exacerbate the scarcity, driving the price even higher. Wouldn't collectors save money in the long run? We are, after all, a hobby and not an investment group, aren't we?