Author
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Topic: Unpredictable space auction results
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Docdrew Member Posts: 26 From: Scottsdale, AZ Registered: Aug 2013
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posted 06-17-2024 09:16 PM
I currently own an Apollo 11 flown Robbins medallion from the Armstrong collection. I have been thinking about putting it up for auction but am worried that I may not get my investment amount returned let alone score a profit. I understand that an auction item's value is only as much as someone is willing to pay for it. That being said I've done research on past auctions for Armstrong owned medallions, and the sale prices have been all over the map. The highest sale price I've found is $112,500 (2018). That sounds great but during the recent Heritage auction there was one that sold for only $27,500! I really don't understand the discrepancy here. Have these medallions depreciated that much or did a buyer get really lucky? When I won mine I apparently got into a bidding war with someone and ended up paying a fairly high price (nowhere near $100,000). I'm hesitant to go to auction if I can't get back at least what I paid for it. Will going to auction be a big gamble or are there things I can do to maximize my return (such as a reserve)? Thanks. |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5359 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-17-2024 09:50 PM
Risk mitigation with a reserve is an option and recommended (RR Auction, for example, permits reserves). Actual dynamics in play contributing to a given outcome are challenging to fully recreate absent debrief of auction participants. A potential factor to take into consideration — demand signal tends to be greatest for an item when it first appears on the market — to the extent the cited 2018 six figure+ realized sale of the Armstrong flown Apollo 11 Robbins may have been novel — it attracted more significant competition. |
Chuckster01 Member Posts: 1146 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 06-18-2024 05:36 PM
In my opinion there are two factors to consider on the Armstrong items sold at auction in 2018 and 2019. - 2018 was the first offering of Neil Armstrong items and the demand was astounding, This was a very well advertised sale and the first time his personal item were made available leading to some very high prices indeed
- This was leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission adding to the press coverage of the event
Prices go up and down but press coverage will always influence sale attendance and sale prices realized. |
AstroGraphs New Member Posts: 5 From: Louisiana Registered: Apr 2024
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posted 06-18-2024 07:23 PM
quote: Originally posted by Chuckster01: Prices go up and down but press coverage will always influence sale attendance and sale prices realized.
This is true.I would suggest holding onto it for a couple of years. Once the Artemis missions start to fly, interest in Apollo may rise again. |