Bruce,
I know of collectors/customers that have high grade CJ's and just won't part with them at today's prices.
Cracker Jack cards have never been cheap (last 20+ years) to collect so the people who bought/collected them have been typically wealthier collectors. Wealthy people have not been in hit in the same way that most Americans have by the current economic crunch. That being said, there are willing sellers out there just not willing at the current prices.
The collectors who saved up or traded up to buy the one or two Hall of Famers may be in a situation where they have to sell. The collectors that purchased commons and minor stars that were "deals" because they were more readily available than the cards that, no doubt, are still on "Americas Toughest Wantlist" may be selling. Unfortunately, as is usually the case with sets like this, the prices of the tougher cards are determined by the prices of the easier cards.
Just yesterday I was offered the toughest card in the set (in an 8 or better) but I don't think I can sell it given what Cracker Jacks are currently selling for. It's not like the market has been flooded with this card driving the price down. However, when you look at the market 5-10 years ago when any Cracker Jack graded "8" or better had the shelf life of a mayfly at 2-5 times the price they are selling at today it gets a bit tough to sell a condition rarity to someone who bases their comfort level on what the average card sells for (even if it is a multiple of that price).
Just my opinion on the subject.
BTW my opinion and about $3.50 will buy you a gallon of gas in Missouri today.
Louis
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