Henry Yee Auction

[drcy]

There's a lot more interest, knowledge and collectors of news photos than there were eve 15 years ago, and finds and big sales like this likely contribute.

Highest example qualities (rarity, clarity, subject, poses, artistry, size, famous images, etc) will always be in high demand and limited.

I suspect there may be lowering of dime a dozen photos and certain subjects where tons more examples are found (which can be good for collectors on normal budgets), but rising in value of the primo examples due to the larger and more experienced collector base. When there are more photos available, the collector has to be more discerning.

I'm certain the single photos Yee picks out for his auctions are cherry picked as the primo examples from piles and piles and aisles and aisles of photos (see Leon's picture). He's offering the best he finds.

[bcbgcbrcb]

I pretty much agree that the high-end, most desirable photos will continue to appreciate while the "middle of the pack" stuff may drop a little initially but could rebound over time.

[gregr2]

Either way, there is some pretty nice stuff up for auction.

[drcy]

Even with baseball cards, buying "the only one in existence" usually means another one or two will be discovered within the next six months. I think that's one of Murphy's laws.

But if you follow auctions, collect and handle enough photos you'll know rarity and quality when you come across it. Just as an avid baseball card collector will know that the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle or the Old Judge King Kelly is the most valuable card in his neighbor's shoebox collection.