mintcollector

Sale figures are based in the past tense, and are not current. However, you are correct. They are still based on fact. What we are discussing (I don't think anyone is arguing) is what the future holds for this book. If the book goes from $300-$400 to $1,000+ and then drops back down to say $500; where does that leave the buyer at $1,000+? Transformers #1 was once a very sought after book as well in 9.8. It came down in price after the 'buzz' of the movie wore thin.

Dude, Ep VII was announced back in 2012, not a recent tthing. Yes, and everyone waited until now (after the trailer debuts no less) to buy one? This doesn't alarm anyone? There are literally tons of these sitting ungraded as this was a massively speculated book back in the day. I am not saying they are all in 9.8, but speculation has taken hold of this market and when it corrects it is not going to be pleasant. Do you have you one? Did you bother to read what I originally wrote in this very thread? I have about 2 or 3 of these in 9.8 bought many, many years ago. I think I paid about $300-$400 each if not less? They were bought graded though...

Dude, Ep VII was announced back in 2012, not a recent tthing. Yes, and everyone waited until now (after the trailer debuts no less) to buy one? This doesn't alarm anyone? There are literally tons of these sitting ungraded as this was a massively speculated book back in the day. I am not saying they are all in 9.8, but speculation has taken hold of this market and when it corrects it is not going to be pleasant.

Doesn't this market scare anyone other than me? I am seriously asking this question. This does (as someone already said) defy all logic and reason. "Oh, let's wait until they announce Episode 7 then I will buy a copy of Star Wars #1 in 9.8 at a highly inflated price?" Where were all these people when you could get one for about $400 in 9.8? Truly astounding...

What am I missing here? This used to be a couple hundred dollar book. I must have two or three of these in 9.8 already graded lying around... A fool and his money...

I really like those more obscure first issues from series like Droids, MOTU, etc. Some of them were good books...

Me too! Morphy Auctions had one in excellent condition, but I passed because it wasn't near mint (my forum name says it all).

Whew! I own a BA 12. I'm safe from bubbles. Only in the bubble known as the CGC forum where speculators continue to write their own rules on economic theory. (thumbs u You're way too serious They made me this way... Just kidding...

Whew! I own a BA 12. I'm safe from bubbles. Only in the bubble known as the CGC forum where speculators continue to write their own rules on economic theory. (thumbs u

Truth! Sadly even the money doesn't prevent the worst all too often. Correct. I got to spend another two years with that little critter though. We used to watch American Pickers every week together. It was quite funny seeing a dwarf hamster sit on my lap while watching TV...

Not exactly. While cleaning out some of my old articles on antiques and collectibles I came across an idiotic article written by a speculator about the investment potential of Beanie Babies stating that by 2008 several would be selling for $5,000 or more. How did that turn out?

Personally, I don't pay a premium for 'white' pages. I had books pressed and resubmitted that came back with a better page quality. As a result, as long as the book has off-white or better pages I am fine with it! Just my two cents...

I love animals so I am very sorry to hear about your loss. True story: I once had a hamster whom I loved dearly. The little guy got diabetes and I took him to the top vet to treat him. I spent almost $3,000 treating that little guy. Ironically I was called 'nuts' by some people for spending that kind of money to help a hamster...to which I replied; If you have an animal you have a responsibility to take care of that animal no matter what. I truly hope your cat is okay! Kind Regards, 'mint'

Yep, Collectinsure.com. That is all you need to know, but please READ YOUR POLICY carefully. There are exclusions that are NEVER talked about on these forums...like: You can only store up to $100,000 in an offsite storage facility! After that if something happens you are SOL! Be careful how many claims you have...

A qualified grade would cap the value, lower than the 5 figure estimates being thrown around for certain. Best case scenario, new owner picks this up in person, buys it as is, gives the owner a decent amount of money to inherit the risks, and puts it up on their shelf. It would and I don't dispute the fact that it would lower the value. However, it would also protect the item from being manipulated in the event the buyer is dishonest and clarify the perceived grade/condition to the new owner. Your response explains exactly why I would never list five figure plus items on eBay. Heck, I am no longer comfortable listing four figure items on eBay.

How long ago was this? How far up the chain did you go? Peace, Chip Well first, I was at the time a 'preferred' customer on PayPal and a PowerSeller on eBay doing about $10,000 a month in sales (this was when I still owned my video game resale company). I did escalate it, but the buyer (again) has a right to a return regardless of the reason. This has only gotten worse with PayPal being spun off; not better.

Paypal's "outlandish" Buyer Protection Policy of 180 days is not a blanket catch-all. It is addressed on a case by case basis. By a team who lacks intimate knowledge of the collectibles market and adheres to protecting the buyer, not the seller... Just an FYI: The reason PayPal is now a separate company from eBay is due to Carl Icahn protecting the interests of his own and other shareholders. It was not done in the interests of consumers. You suggested that a scammer could purchase the Hulk and then attempt to flip it before the 180 days ran out on his Buyer Protection Policy. That isn't the case. If a buyer attempted to do that Paypal would tell him to go pound sand. The 180 days is not applicable in all cases, it only applies where necessary. If an item is getting shipped within the US and it arrives in a timely manner, the buyer isn't going to be afforded 180 days to make up their mind on whether the item is satisfactory. The 180 days worth of Buyer Protection is largely directed to international shipments where it may take a couple of months just for the item to reach its destination. Incorrect. I had to accept back a $1,000+ item after I proved to PayPal that the buyer tried reselling it. The buyer claimed it wasn't as described. How is a graded item not as described? PayPal and Ebay both represent the buyers. PayPal told me it is the buyer's right to a hassle free return.

I would have to respectfully disagree here. First off, I would hope the ridiculous BIN suggestion from before was a joke. No one with any intelligence would do that if they were actually serious about actually selling a high-ticket item. Large dollar collectible items sell legitimately on eBay all the time without incident. eBay will get you the most exposure for this item and the highest price. You can exclude low-feedback bidders if you want to go that route. Peace, Chip And six months later he gets it back because the buyer couldn't flip it for an even higher amount. Thanks in part to PayPal's (and eBay's) own outlandish Buyer Protection Policy this is also the norm. Personally I would rather pay a high end auction gallery 20% and let them vet the item and handle all issues. Just my opinion... Paypal's "outlandish" Buyer Protection Policy of 180 days is not a blanket catch-all. It is addressed on a case by case basis. By a team who lacks intimate knowledge of the collectibles market and adheres to protecting the buyer, not the seller... Just an FYI: The reason PayPal is now a separate company from eBay is due to Carl Icahn protecting the interests of his own and other shareholders. It was not done in the interests of consumers.

Has the owner considered sending it to AFA? Then eBay may be a valid choice; even with the issues I already mentioned...

I would have to respectfully disagree here. First off, I would hope the ridiculous BIN suggestion from before was a joke. No one with any intelligence would do that if they were actually serious about actually selling a high-ticket item. Large dollar collectible items sell legitimately on eBay all the time without incident. eBay will get you the most exposure for this item and the highest price. You can exclude low-feedback bidders if you want to go that route. Peace, Chip And six months later he gets it back because the buyer couldn't flip it for an even higher amount. Thanks in part to PayPal's (and eBay's) own outlandish Buyer Protection Policy this is also the norm. Personally I would rather pay a high end auction gallery 20% and let them vet the item and handle all issues. Just my opinion...

Personally, I would not place this on eBay nor would I use a ridiculous BIN price either. That will only attract shills and scammers and you will limit your chances in having a fair sale. After all if the item finishes at high five figures, but no one pays what is the point? Just some advice: Rather than risk scammers who may file a PayPal/eBay claim on an item this size why not go to an auction house that specializes in these types of items? Morphy Auctions continues to get high prices for items like this, but you will have to consign it to an upcoming sale. However, the item will be hyped beyond belief in that time be ause it is a signature piece. Hake's is an option to, but more high end buyer's are opt to buy through Morphy's. I would not be rushing to place this on eBay and some high profile buyers like me who won't buy an item like this on eBay will never bid. Just my two cents.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Factory-sealed-1987-Nintendo-NES-Stadium-Events-VGA-85-NM-/111567662630?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item19f9f36e26 Thank you so much for posting this. It is amazing how many speculators continue to think that so called 'holy grail' items are secure. This sale was ACTUALLY ALMOST $10,000 LESS than a sale for a NON-GRADED COPY! There is no such thing as a guaranteed collectible (read this): http://www.harryrinker.com/col-1334.html It is really embarrassing as to how many collectors decided to argue with me when I said this item wouldn't surpass $50,000 let alone $100,000. eBay be damned...the age of the shill bidder is unfortunately here to stay. I agree with just about all your thoughts on this, except for certain certified keys like AF#15,Hulk #1,TOS #39 .I think the holy grails are going to keep going up. The one thing these movie comic book characters got going for them is continued exposure to the masses, unlike marbles or old time radio premiums. Another point any hobby that has a certification to make sure there is no fraud will give that hobby an edge over other hobbies by a mile! No, I respectfully disagree. There is a limit to what people will pay. Price resistant occurs in all collecting fields. To assume that our hobby is excluded from this due to the current speculative bubble we are facing is too premature. During the 1980's even today's most sought after keys faced severe price resistant. The only reason they are now climbing in value is due to the prevalence of comic book movies. To think that today's ten thousand dollar key is tomorrow's one hundred thousand dollar winner is the hope of every speculator.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Factory-sealed-1987-Nintendo-NES-Stadium-Events-VGA-85-NM-/111567662630?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item19f9f36e26 Thank you so much for posting this. It is amazing how many speculators continue to think that so called 'holy grail' items are secure. This sale was ACTUALLY ALMOST $10,000 LESS than a sale for a NON-GRADED COPY! There is no such thing as a guaranteed collectible (read this): http://www.harryrinker.com/col-1334.html It is really embarrassing as to how many collectors decided to argue with me when I said this item wouldn't surpass $50,000 let alone $100,000. eBay be damned...the age of the shill bidder is unfortunately here to stay.

I am about a half hour or so from Adamstown as Morphy's Auctions is my favorite auction house. I go to Brimfield every year; sometimes more! (thumbs u

"A fool and his money are lucky enough to get together in the first place." -Gordon Gekko (Wall Street)