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Marc S.you can't really compare a relatively-finite-lifed asset (like a vehicle) with a baseball card or other "investments".
Future anticipated appreciation in a truly efficient market will always be captured in the present value of the asset, given the knowledge of the asset, its potential volatility, etc. A baseball card is just a thing, much like a share of Google or even real estate. Not everyone anticipates appreciation, or even desire it. Many prefer potential volatility which will be discounted more by relatively risk-averse investors given those risk-lovers the potential to either win a lot or lose a lot, but will, on average, come out ahead. I don't think it ever is a case of everybody wins, especially in situations whereby an auction house is taking a significant cut along the way.