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

Normally the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. tries to highlight interesting auctions before they have closed in Auction Watch. An auction titled, Kinnikuman M.U.S.C.L.E. MUSCLES #153 CLAW COLORED, was not highlighted because it was simply four common #153 figures in Dark Blue, Light Blue, Red, and Orange. While #153, the “Claw”, is undoubtedly the most popular M.U.S.C.L.E. figure these figures have never commanded a notable premium price. Due to their popularity collectors have sometimes paid a little bit more than other figures, but nothing of worth note – aside from the ultra-desirable Purple Claw, which is an entirely different discussion.

The LRG user, Boaconda, noted that the auction was becoming quite interesting and wanted the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. to document the bizarre event.

For these four figures to sell for $51.05 it is an utter shock. Prior to this auction there isn’t a documented example of Color #153 figures selling for more than, at most, a few dollars each.

The University of M.U.S.C.L.E. is not suggesting this price of approximately $13 per figure is a normal price. This auction is being documented because of the price being so shockingly abnormal.

This price is most likely the result of several collectors wanting an Orange #153 – mixed with the suddenly perceived rarity because the LittleRubberGuys.com message board has had several users highlighting Orange #153 auctions and/or users have been asking for the figure in the preceding weeks. The added premium may have come from the figures having been part of littlerubberguys former store inventory. He was/is the best M.U.S.C.L.E./Kinnikuman seller in the world and he is the proprietor of the LittleRubberGuys message board – which happens to be the best message board in the world for M.U.S.C.L.E. and other little figures.

As an experiment the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. will auction an Orange #153 figure in the coming week(s). As the Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Red #153 figures are certainly not rare, this will help to provide an estimate on the current price of an Orange #153 figure.

This auction will be open to all readers of the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. The specific rules will be posted in the upcoming auction thread, but bids will be placed in the comments. If there are any questions, concerns, or suggestions or the upcoming auction, then please post them in the comment section below. If there are additional questions, comments, and/or concerns, then please email the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.. Thank you and good luck to everyone in advance!