UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

The first auction, Mixed lot of M.U.S.C.L.E. men YSNT KINNIKUMAN KINKESHI & other Wrestler figures, is the kind of auction that people love or hate. It is unlikely to induce indifference. The stars of the mixed lot are truly the counterfeit figures. It appears as if there are six of them, all located in the top left corner of the figure.

Four of the counterfeit figures appear to be either Type L or M. These figures are often original sculpts inspired by Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. figures or wholly original figures. The other two counterfeit figures appear to simply be copies. However, the gray of the #80 is quite attractive. It seems very reminiscent of the Greek colors that are often seen.

Predicting a final price for the first auction is incredibly difficult. For such an odd lot a $6.99 opening price (with $3.99 shipping) might be discouraging to potential bidders. Given the limited quantity and varying quality of the other figures it seems unlikely that anyone would place great value on the lot.

The final price of the first auction will be $11.50.

The second auction, 1988 Exogini M.U.S.C.L.E Italian Print Ad rare, ties in nicely to the aforementioned Greek colors. The Exogini advertisement features the Exogini figures which were available in Greece, Italy, and Holland. (For more information on Exogini check out MinifiguresXD .)

Whether viewed as official, unofficial, or counterfeit these figures certainly play into the larger M.U.S.C.L.E./Kinnikuman tapestry. This type of advertisement was listed once before, but I think it was listed with an exorbitant opening bid. This auction actually opens the doors to even the most modestly interested.

Given the lack a familiarity with Exogini a final auction price will not be predicted.

The third auction, MATTEL VINTAGE M.U.S.C.L.E. MUSCLE TOY MAIL-AWAY POSTER PREMIUM WRESTLING 80s , highlights one of the most volatile M.U.S.C.L.E. collectibles. The poster has ranged from $36 to $158; however the norm seems to hover around the $40 range. The reason for that wide range is one simple word: condition.

The M.U.S.C.L.E. poster is easily the most likely M.U.S.C.L.E. collectible to succumb to age and usage. Tape marks, pinholes, worn edges, blackened stars are all normal for M.U.S.C.L.E. posters. Not all M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors own M.U.S.C.L.E. posters – not because of rarity, but seemingly because of personal preference. However, the M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors that own posters seem very interested in condition and are often looking to upgrade.

This poster seems like a wonderful entry level poster and probably a fair upgrade for other collectors – even with the pinholes and edge wear. The last Flesh poster sold for $41 and was in far worse condition.

The final price of the third auction will be $56.50.

The fourth auction, HUGE COLOR M.U.S.C.L.E. 350 muscle men figure lot!!!!, is simply awesome. It is a lot of 350 Color M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. A lot of this size is always worth paying special attention. Making the auction even better are a $0.99 starting bid and a reputable seller.

The only thing potentially missing from this auction is a picture encompassing all of the figures. While the several pictures give collectors a good sense of the figure the true size of the lot is a bit lost. An extra picture featuring a huge pile of figures or all of them laid out could have been helpful. But that’s the only thing that makes this auction a 99 instead of a perfect 100.

This is just a huge, fun lot that will probably appeal to all M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors.

The final price of the fourth auction will be $202.50.

The fifth auction, 100 M.U.S.C.L.E. Men figures Kinnikuman Flash colored FREE SHIPPING!, serves as an illustrative counterpoint to the fourth auction. One hundred Flesh figures with free shipping will always garner interest. However, it seems unlikely to receive a bid given the $89.99 opening bid plus an auction description that reads:
The condition varies on these. Some have markings, or possibly missing parts.

Most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors are always looking for a deal. And many are always willing to pick-up figure upgrades, trading fodder, and/or custom fodder. This approach is what keeps many M.U.S.C.L.E. auctions in that standard $0.50 per figure price. It is the impatient and inexperienced that often drive up the price for basic figure lots.

Had this auction started at $0.99 it would have easily ended around $50. Unfortunately the auction starts at about $0.90 per figure. The combination of high price, auction description, and group picture (without a clear figure breakdown) the lot is unlikely to receive any bids. The fifth auction could learn a tremendous amount from the fourth auction.

The fifth auction will not receive any bids and go unsold.

Follow-Up: The first auction sold for $20.50, which was $10 more than the predicted price of $10.50.

There was not a final price prediction for the second auction. However the item sold for $1.49

The third auction sold for $30, which was $26.50 less than the predicted price of $56.50.

The fourth auction sold for $162.50, which was $40 less than the predicted price of $202.50.

The fifth auction was predicted to go unsold and that prediction was correct.