It all depends on your definition of 'high end'. I believe at present we are seeing quite high priced for unique and rare items, although there seems little consistemcy with regard to what buyers are willing to pay for, and what they are not.

The rarities are going to the usual suspects, although I notice TFM is not so active (or at least not in the market I'm used to seeing him in), and the prices they are willing to pay does not seem to reflect the current downturn in a lot of economies. Possibly (flame me if you will) because those who can afford to collect the truely rare have figured out how to ride the inevitable economic bumps in life. If you're collecting box fulls of rare goods in a nieche market (ie not mainstream art), then this isn't your primary means of investing for your future. And at that level of superfluous income, little bumps in the economy are just part of life, like getting a flat tyre.

The uncommon mainstream product also seems to be quite boyant, although there has been a distinct move in the market from the traditional TSR/non-TSR product to more esoteric and modern collectables (Goodman Games/PPP/Ptolus/etc) which are surging in price and demand. The traditional non-TSR mainstream is suffering a lull with low prices right accross the board from the traditional Judges Guild main pieces to the difficult to get UK pieces. Prices there are low.

I would assess the Acaeum scale 4 and 5 rares as having a solid market with prices pretty stable as most would expect. Neither high nor low compared to their relative long term values. Uniques I would expect to sell well, but that will depend on desirability. I wouldn't hesitate to put up an unpublished manuscript or a particularly detailed or appealing item of artwork, but somethin a little boring or mundane, or a signed uncommon item I would not have so much confidence in.

Just my 2c. I'm sure others will offer their perceptions.

Well... there was that Domesday sheet that sold for a super-record price at Gencon.

Two other recent very high prices which come to mind are:

- a DM's copy of the Ghost Tower of Inverness - which sold for $3,000+ to thefantasymuseum

- a 1st print Chainmail - which sold for $2,000+ to, erm... you  


In the light of these I would say that super-rare stuff is probably (at least) holding up in price.  As to more middle range rare or uncommon stuff, it varies according to the item.  White box sets and early Dragons have fallen back a little from what they were going for a year ago, but (without citing any specific examples), other rare prices still seem to be holding up.  Other than that I would echo the last couple of comments.

Blackmoor wrote:The rare stuff is holding it's value right now.  The market seems to have quite a depth.  I think if you are offering rare and possibly unique items then you should do quite well.

/agree


With what was sold at Gencon this year (and some ultra rare mod's on ebay), Acaeum 4 and 5 rares are selling above average. I see no signs in that slowing down either.

But some items like the "brown box" D&D sets seem to have a certain set range, as opposed to constantly appreciating in value (in the $800-$1500 US Dollar range, depending on condition [price is usually for a 3rd printing].

At least from one collector, i am happy to pay up for rare items......

Of course, the market for ultra-rare D&D collectibles may take a hit as we slide into a financial apocalypse (i.e. this weekend).  When the survivors of the 'Crash of 08' are fighting for the last few tins of beans in a burnt-out supermarket, or foraging for potable water in a sun-bleached mad-max wasteland, worrying whether that woodgrain is 2nd or 3rd print may seem less pressing.  

Badmike wrote:How many woodgrains can I get for a can of beans now???Mike B.

safeway or walmart?? the beans that is
think responses to poll about right so far as market still strong in general but forgetting how much has increased + will be patchy in places once high-rollers have got what they need. comments about inverness being low at well over $1,300 but deadlord copy did not even get bid at $800 only few years ago. looks better than stockmarket for those with eye to $ from that. unfortunately could not move my pension fund