The seeming overall increase in M.U.S.C.L.E. listings and starting bid prices could likely to attributed to three things: (1) the upcoming holidays; (2) the recent string of higher final price M.U.S.C.L.E. auctions; and/or (3) it’s just the natural ebb and flow pattern of M.U.S.C.L.E. prices continuing.
Within these high starting bid auctions there are still a few very interesting auctions. Two of the most interesting auctions come from the same seller – clonewarscraig. The first auction, 6 x Colored claws!!! M.U.S.C.L.E. men figures., features six #153 figures. The price of #153 figures has inexplicably risen nearly 145% over the past three years. In October of 2009 a single Dark Blue #153 sold for $5.02 on eBay. Only six weeks later a group of four #153 figures sold for $51.50. This auction was followed almost immediately by a lot of seven #153 figures selling for $112.50. In June of 2010 it looked like #153 madness was starting to settle down. But the appearance of another Purple #153 and a fake Purple #153 helped to stoke the #153 fires – shifting the simmer to a full blazing inferno again. Amazingly those high prices have sustained. Most recently, in October of 2010, a group of six #153 figures sold for $190.63.
So what will be the final price of these six figures? It’s nearly impossible to guess. In the current M.U.S.C.L.E. climate logic does not need to be applied to the #153 figure. In fact, there’s probably a very sound argument that the history, mystique, and price of Satan Cross makes more logical sense than the history, mystique, and price of #153.
The final price of the first auction will be $201.
Speaking of Satan Cross, the next two auctions SATAN CROSS M.U.S.C.L.E.!!!! and Satan Cross M.U.S.C.L.E. Mint Rare Original MUSCLE both feature this, well documented, non-poster figure.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of these auctions is that the sellers have chosen the worst possible pictures for their auctions. Equally surprising, is that with such a largely mature and stable collector community there are still collectors that need to add Satan Cross to their collection.
The final price of the second auction will be $51.50.
The final price of the third auction will be $52.50.
Because this lot could appeal to so many types of collectors and customizers it makes suggesting a final price quite difficult. Given the popularity of the Sunshine figures and size of the lot it seems like to invite some higher bidding.
The final price of the fourth action will be $22.50.
This week will also try out something new. Highlighting a few notable auctions worth checking out, but maybe fall a little outside the “theme” of the weekly auction watch.
Notables:
– Too tired to check, but it’s from Canada.
– Anything besides the Orange Claw there?
– The display case seems like a total deterrent for this auction.
Follow-Up: The first auction sold for $150, which was $51 less than the predicted price of $201.
1st Auction
Final Screen Shot
The second auction sold for $47.01, which was $4.49 less than the predicted price of $51.50.
2nd Auction
Final Screen Shot
The third auction did not sell. The predicted price final price had been $52.50
3rd Auction
Final Screen Shot
The fourth auction sold for $50, which was $27.50 more than the predicted price of $22.50.
4th Auction
Final Screen Shot
