Last week, in Auction Watch #141, a lot of MUSCLEMANIA figures was featured. They are back this week.
The second auction, MUSCLEMANIA Figures x 8 – similar to MUSCLE M.U.S.C.L.E. Kinnikuman Deiner, highlights the fact that counterfeit M.U.S.C.L.E. figures are truly a very specific niche within M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting. This niche status is neither a good or bad thing. It simply highlights the very specific buyer that will purchase, and more importantly enjoy, these types of figures.
If the first and second auction appeal to a certain group of buyers, then the third auction, AMAZING LOT OF THE BEST GREEK RARE EXOGINI FIGURES M.U.S.C.L.E BY EL GRECO G1, highlights this niche nature of collecting outside of the core Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. or Japanese kinkeshi brands.
As of writing Auction Watch #142 the third auction is already selling at $300.
There is a folksy saying that says a person needs to be smart enough to know when they don’t know something. The third auction probably makes most people a genius. Is there a M.U.S.C.L.E. or Kinnikuman fan that can answer the question, “Why is this lot selling for so much?”
A group of figures often defined more by their price and status than they quality or attractiveness are Class A figures. The last four auctions feature Class A figures and all of the auctions start at $0.99. Given the lack of popularity with many of these sculpts it becomes very interesting to see what will be the final price.
Do any M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors want to share their predictions in the Comments section below?
#1 by majinmoo on August 22, 2013 - 6:32 am
I don’t think these Class A auctions will get to many bids. Last time figures like this went up these lots went for no more than $15 each lot.
This leads to this question for MUSCLE Collectors; Does the Rarity or the Value make a figure a Class A or B?
#2 by jmckinnon316 on August 22, 2013 - 7:10 am
4th Auction – $55
5th Auction – $28
6th Auction – $22
7th Auction – $42
I am prepared to be embarrassed by my own predictions, but who cares? It’s fun!
I am going by the prices I might pay for them presently. In reality, I don’t plan to bid for any of them so I will be a very interested observer.
I have been surprised by a few Class A auctions recently. Definitely feel the prices are coming way down again.
Maybe lack of Master Set chasers? People just buying the figures that they actually want rather than the ones the feel they ‘need’?
From my point of view, I am buying in my favourites only and don’t think I want to pursue a master set ever again!
Can’t resist pretty figures though. If a Light Blue Iwao becomes available then second car may get sold to finance it!! 🙂
#3 by Chad Perry on August 22, 2013 - 10:14 am
Rarity.
The goal of the Figure Guide was not to help set prices, but help collectors understand which figures are going to be a little tougher to find.