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SCI would have to think that most any auction would not only sell it at 0% if pushed, but would kick back the majority of the buyer's premium as well to the consignor. Consider - what is the average value of a major auction house lot? $2500-5000, depending on venue? With 18% BP and 10% Seller's Fee (I'd figure a "full retail" commission), the auction house is netting $700-1400 per lot in commission, without any discount or deal cut, which has to be rare. You can't tell me, with all the auction houses out there, that a major house would turn the card down if offered a 2-3% total commission (i.e. kicking back 15% of BP?) Or a flat fee of say $10,000-15,000? I don't see it. Especially with the added publicity and bragging rights of running a card.
Even the very rich in today's society have mostly lost 25-50%+ of their net worth in the last 11 months. Puts it in a different category who can or would afford a $1M card.