M.U.S.C.L.E. posters are arguably the most erratic in regards to their prices. Two factors that often influence the price are: (1) additional items; and (2) new collector zeal. Many sellers see the poster as an “extra” so they often lump the poster with other M.U.S.C.L.E. items. This makes it more difficult to estimate what value a collector put on specifically the poster. And, like any M.U.S.C.L.E. auction, the burning enthusiasm of a new M.U.S.C.L.E. collector can see even posters in poor condition selling for more than they are probably worth.
But the biggest driver of price is condition. The condition of a poster is everything. Even if a M.U.S.C.L.E. collector already owns both posters, they may be a potential bidder if one appears in better condition.
The University of M.U.S.C.L.E. has tracked many poster auctions. The prices have ranged from $9.75 to $158 and all of those prices can be most directly attributed to condition. This poster appears to be in decent condition – which means it is about $40 to $50 overpriced. The average price of a M.U.S.C.L.E. poster, in average condition, is right around $45 to $50.
Sadly, this seller is completely delusional. The starting bids for this poster have ranged from $74.99 to $174.99 and all of them are laughable. This auction will not sell until the starting bid becomes $35 or lower or a completely uninformed and impatient buyer makes a terrible mistake.
The second auction, muscle man action figures, cosmix original francia, is not a M.U.S.C.L.E. item, but it is too cool to ignore.
The Cosmix figures are the French version of Exogini – which are essentially a higher quality counterfeit brand of figures. Collectors will probably notice that the Cosmix figures are not just M.U.S.C.L.E. figures but also N.I.N.J.A. Mites figures.
As equally, if not more so, interesting are the packages. There are four different packages and all feature unique dayglo-like colors.
The $19 may be a higher price for loose Cosmix figures, but the four different packages should make the lot even more appealing. The greatest hurdle this lot may face is that the seller is in Italy. Many toy collectors have had terrible problems with the Italian postal service. And many collectors simply refuse to ship to Italy. However, they may be willing to take more of a gamble as a buyer with the protection of eBay.
The third auction, 1985 Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle Men Battlin’ Belt Near Mint in Box, is a bit of an oddity. The auction states:
It is mint in the box. The box has been taped. No tears but someone used clear tape to keep it closed.
There is no indication the seller is being anything but 100% honest. There is even a picture of the tape, but it appears to be on the back of the box. The pictures don’t allow the viewer to see the tabs which would allow the box to open or close.
The risk here is that the belt inside is not in very good condition or possibly incomplete. The upside to this auction is that the front of the box looks to be in decent condition, which would display nicely.
The third auction has a starting bid of $20, which probably starts the auction much closer to the final price. The final price of the third auction will be $33.50.
The fourth, M.U.S.C.L.E. Men Lot Of 9 Figures With Class A, Plus Green Claw #153, and fifth, M.U.S.C.L.E. Men The Claw Set Of 6 With Rare Salmon #153, auctions are simply two auctions that deserve to be observed as a M.U.S.C.L.E. collector.
Given the gluttony of #153 figures that continue to appear on eBay it will be interesting to see if buyers are still hypnotized by this figure and willing to overspend (this article adds a little bit more insight into why people overspend too).
The fourth auction with the Green #153 and some Class A and B figures is likely to be driven by the Green #153 more than any other figure. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to watch this auction.
No final price predictions will be given for the fourth and fifth auctions because these are assured to be unpredictable auctions.
