Adam has offered a real cogent response, as usual. Last year, a prime example occurred in a Heritage Auction. They were offering an essentially unheard of 1954 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle in PSA 8 NM/MT. Extremely few high-grade Stahl-Meyer Mantles have auctioned this century. The lame PSA Price Guide had pegged the card at about $50,000 to $60,000.
Heritage even did a preview on YOUTUBE about this beauty. The 58-second video may still be found on YOUTUBE if you're curious (simply type 1954 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle). Well, the card sold for $210,000, including the buyer's premium. Opportunity rarely knocks for this one, so when it did.....
Earlier this month, Huggins & Scott concluded their auction. Amongst their items were a 1 of 1 1962 JELL-O Willie Mays unfolded box. Some collectors like this sort of unreal rarity. Trust me, it's legitimate, hailing from a find in the early 1980s, and sold in SCD by a prominent New York dealer. Well, opportunity knocked, and the 62 Mays unfolded box garnered 59 bids, and sold for $34,800.
As I recall, the same Huggins & Scott auction offered a similar 1 of 1 1962 JELL-O Roberto Clemente unfolded box, but I could not find what that baby sold for. Anyone know--please???
Certain issues may not have a huge following, as the mainstream cards always do, but the non-mainstream collectors are frequently ultra-driven, and will pay accordingly, if they are able. Such prized acquisitions are considered centerpieces of their collections.
I wish you happy hunting.
--- Brian Powell