Why on earth...

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Posted By: jay behrens

would anyone bid $10 on this card? It's a dirt common.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31722&item=4134682930&rd=1

I know that first and last cards carry a premium in high grades because they are hard to find. What I don't get is why people pay a premium for these cards in lower grades. Part of the blame lies with the price guides since they do not do realistic pricing of cards in each, but instead do a percentage of the NM value. This fine for most cards, but does not work for the first and last cards of a set.

I would love to hear Mr Lemke's input on this.

I need a Bengough card for my player set and his only card is the 33 Goudey, but I refuse to pay $10 or for his card in that sort of condition.

Jay

[Archive]

Posted By: t-206collector

...aren't sophisticated enough to read the fine print in the price guide that indicates that first and last cards in a set are only highly valuable in higher grades because of rubber-banding. So, they see a high price in the guide and apply it to lesser grades. This in turn drives the prices of first and last cards in a set up, notwithstanding the irrational basis for it.

[Archive]

Posted By: Bob Lemke

about other price guides, but in the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, first and last cards in major numbered vintage sets are not priced on a percentage basis, but on numerous actual sales in each particular grade. In the new edition the '33G Bengough will be listed at $3,500 NM, $350 EX and $145 VG, all amply supported by observed sales.