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Posted By: barrysloate

Jay- different auction items have different inherent characteristics. Some items that reach the auction block have limited appeal and are put out there just because the owner wants to get rid of them. Obviously, a higher opening bid might psychologically have an effect on the final bid, especially if nobody really knows the value of the item. Vintage baseball cards, as we all know, have a maniacal following, and they are simply in too much demand for more than a neglible amount of money to be left on the table. REA had a number of 19th century pieces that had opening bids of around $1000 or thereabouts and some went for over $40K. Specifically I am referring to a few of the 1871 CdV's, the 1874 Athletics cabinet, and the Mike Kelly imperial. Do you think if they started higher they would have sold for more? I think the study would apply more to lots that are not in as high demand as vintage baseball cards. Next time you have an N172 Anson in Uniform for sale start it for an opening bid of $1. Let's see if the buyer walks away with a bargain.