Auction estimates/minimum bids used to be set low to supposedly encourage bidders (and ultimately set up a contest of "That's my card! No, it's mine!"). I used to multiply estimates by 4-5X to gain an appreciation for the realistic value of the item. Some auction houses, however, set minimums beyond what an item is realistically worth, which is a huge turn-off. I believe we will eventually follow the path of Mecom's automobile auctions, which allow realistic but low-end reserves reflecting the lot's real value as prices continue to rise on key cards.
May your collecting bring you sheer joy,
Larry
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