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

None of the MUSCLEMANIA listings from the last AW sold. They were all relisted. And they’re all still overpriced. But what about those two lots?

I suggested there wouldn’t be single M.U.S.C.L.E. listing on eBay (as of writing) that would sell for more money. Was I correct?

No, not even a little bit.

Take a look at some of the listings that beat the two highlighted listings.

Maybe there were more. I stopped looking.

Everybody likes being right, but I’m not too bummed out that I was wrong. I can’t believe some of these prices. The $299.99 lot had 114 figures (unless I miscounted) that works out to $2.63 per-figure for a rather unspectacular lot. That leaves me rather speechless.

Although it certainly helps the “sell in lots” argument. I’d certainly prefer $299.99 on one day instead of $3 every few months.

I just can’t wrap my head around some of these prices. But this Facebook post might explain some recent collecting behavior. Perhaps new M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors are more impatient (and competitive?) than ever. That idea helps me understand some of the following listings.

The first auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. / HARD KNOCKIN ROCKIN WRESTLING ARENA / 1985 / MIB* / MINT / RARE, is for an open ring. The price started at $200 and currently (as of writing) sits at $207.50. I think that is CRAZY for an open box ring in fair condition. But the most damning aspect is from the auction description:

With the M.U.S.C.L.E. Hard Knockin’ Rockin’ Wrestling Arena came two exclusive figures. A little smaller version of the #141 figure (#234) and a different Terri-Bull figure #235. ***WITH THIS SAID, I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY ARE INSIDE. I AM AFRAID TO REMOVE THE RING AND THE FIGURES SHOULD BE INSIDE A PLASTIC BAG, INSIDE THE ARENA.

Are you kidding me? The starting bid was $200 and there’s no guarantee you get the figures. WHAT?!?!

That text makes me think they aren’t in there. Of course, I could be wrong.

I just wouldn’t bet over $200 on it. Especially since the auction clearly stated the seller has, “NO IDEA IF THEY ARE INSIDE.” You aren’t getting a refund. The seller can easily argue they were open and honest. I guess, as of now, three people were willing to gamble.

The second auction, Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. Figure #85 Kinnikuman Zebra #85 – Salmon Class A RARE, is one of my most cherished figures.

This figure started at $29.99 and, as of writing, is currently selling for $31.

To my surprise, a Salmon #85 hasn’t been documented on this website. A Red Class A version sold for $6.24.

I’d venture a guess, but we seem to be in the midst of a pricing upheaval – which we’ve seen many, many times with the M.U.S.C.L.E. hobby. I liked what I said in AW #95, “Long-time M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors enjoy watching the prices ebb and flow; like watching lessons from history go unlearned only to be repeated again and again.”

The third listing, 105 M.U.S.C.L.E. MEN KINNIKUMAN FIGURES ROCKIN RING THUG BUSTER SET TRASH CAN, has a $695 BIN.

Normally this type of listing would show up as an AOTW contestant. Given the “up” we’re seeing right now; I wonder if it will sell?

Three people were willing to spend $200 on a potentially incomplete ring.

Someone was willing to pay $2.63 per-figure. That would be $276 for this lot.

That’s accounting for $476 of the $695 BIN. Is there $219 worth of other stuff?

Long-time M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would collectively scream, “HELL NO!” But we’re clearly in an “up” period. Maybe impatience and competitiveness will make the $200+ remaining worth it? I hope not.

There was a time, well over a decade ago, that I was fueled by impatience and competitiveness. One eBay listing cured me of it. The wave of emotions, when I didn’t spend an absurd amount of money, was indescribable. I’ve never once regretted the change.