I'll throw in my unasked for 2 cents as well - I'd point out that the "fire sales" you are talking about (Jason) happened a while ago before probably a decent number of collectors even realized they were collectors.  So while 9028524562346 modules might have sold for 2 bucks each, I dont see them anywhere now.  At the same time, the number of collectors has increased (in my opinion, based on observed re-occurring bidders on stuff).

If you were around "back in the day" then you probably have or had a bunch of "common" things run through your hands.  Folks just getting into this today have to start somewhere.

There does seem to be an upwards trend lately for most items, even commons.  Bargains can still be found, but overall, even common items that are not is the best condition, seem to be going for more.

Here are just a few quick examples:

eBay listings

eBay listings

eBay listings

eBay listings

Used to be that some of these would hardly sell for $5 a piece.

From the perspective of a "newer" collector, I've noticed that the prices of most items, including common/mass-produced titles, have increased over the last 3-5 years - I started actively collecting in 2008/2009.

Luckily, I started with a decent collection (my own books, mostly well-kept) from the 80s so I didn't have to start by looking for B1 and A1, etc.  My needs when I started collecting again were primarily those post '88 when I stopped buying rpgs, and pre '82 (stuff I didn't even know about).

Most of you have the advantage of starting your collections much earlier - much of what you have is really hard for us newer collectors to get a hold of.  Hell, I was outbid at GenCon last year on a very nice OCE White Box after it went in to the upper 300s.  The rarer stuff is getting really hard to find, and even the midrange (uncommon) books are moving up in price.  

I used to be able to snag up complete B2s for giveaways for the local gaming clubs for a few bucks - now I can't even do that.  

Someone already said it - the number of collectors has increased.  I also think that collectors no longer need to sell what they have, they are holding on to everything.

Again, from the point of view of a newer collector.  I'm sure some may see this differently but as an active buyer on many fronts (ebay, other members here, etc.), it's getting hard to find the books I need without selling a car or a kid.  

~throwi

I bought one of these (he had at least 2.. still on its was to me I think) he said my copy had the missing pages inc.. the gazetter can be downloaded for free on his page (link on ebay auction).. and he uses the pic of that pdf in the auction, what I did find interesting was the fact that the printed book (pic on the auction) shows that a bar code was added for the printing on the back cover.. so it is slightly different to the pdf release.. we shall see...

Brette:)

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4 different 1970's Store posters in unused condition. 1 each PH, MM, Basic set and a AD&D on sale here poster Seller is "lcfstuff"

Greyhawk Adventures signed by Jim Ward


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Legends & Lore signed by Jim Ward and Rob Kuntz


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burntwire brothers wrote in Interesting Items Currently on eBay:We have 3 copies of AC5 in our collection 1 in shrink and 2 opened copies. Does anyone know how many pages are in a complete copy?

Just to add confirmation to this.  I recently (yesterday) bought an AC5 still in shrink but was forced into removing it from the shrink to save it and the it contains 16 character sheets (each one has a front and back) so 32 pages + cover.

A Fighting Wheel in this lot

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