Prices/Value Discussion.

[CtahhR]

I'd take a dozen single digit Red Stars any day!

[desantnik]

Marc was brave enough to take a stab, but again, there are discrepancies. Anyone, including Marc, wanting to sell Glories for $50 a pop, please contact me post haste.

[Lapa]

Paul,

That's the price at which I buy them...
Let's not forget that over 800,000 of them were released into the wilderness. It is in no way a rare or even scarce order (except for some sub-variations).

Marc

[Auke]

Marc,

There's a big difference between market value and a value that makes sense rationally

I sold a 1985 OPW1 for $55 on eBay... I'm quickly listing a few more.

[desantnik]

Originally Posted by Lapa

Paul,

That's the price at which I buy them...
Let's not forget that over 800,000 of them were released into the wilderness. It is in no way a rare or even scarce order (except for some sub-variations).

Marc

Marc, you are aware there is a difference b/w wholesale and retail. I don't see you or anyone else posting them for this price here or on well-known auction sites...

[Bill Garvy]

Originally Posted by Lapa

Bill,

I'll take a bucket of your Goznak ORS at that price

Marc

Order of the Red Star, #586, a Goznak, 1st Type, for auction in Janaury, 2011 at the New York Auction did not sell. . . Bidding started at $25,000, no research and professionally restored enamel. . .

[Lapa]

Paul,

I said I am buying them for that price, and I am not talking wholesale or bulk lots here either but mostly individual purchases.

The prices I quoted are based on my actual transactions and the "real" market (I have the strange feeling that I'm going to cope so serious flak over this term...). If a brainless "collector" shells out huge money on E!, or a Power Seller asks outrageous prices on the same marketplace, that does not make the market. A huge volume of transactions takes place out of the spotlight, and happens to be the real market.

Remember a few years ago when late suspension ORBs (long-service awards) were going like hotcakes for $700? Was that the real value for a piece whose issue was about 250,000 ex? I think we have a pretty good answer to that question today... bubble bubble bubble...

Marc

[Lapa]

Originally Posted by Bill Garvy

Order of the Red Star, #586, a Goznak, 1st Type, for auction in Janaury, 2011 at the New York Auction did not sell. . . No research and professionally restored enamel I might add. . .

Bill,

You are pointing out a very important thing here: QUALITY.

Rarity is no longer enough to make humongous prices. Today, Russian collectors was pristine, flawless pieces and are ready to pay, well, should we call them "Russian prices" for them. Any minute flaw, especially in the enamel, calls for a drastic drop in price.

And research is no longer such an added value. It is easy to get a UK for $15~20, then straight to PodvigNaroda

Marc

[desantnik]

Yes, and whoever sells them to you at $50 paid even less, but that doesn't make it the going, or even realistic "market" price.

I'm willing to buy 10 at $55 immediately for a 10% profit which is much better than I've been doing in the stock market . Do we have a deal?

[CtahhR]

There are many factors to calculate. Greed and instant gratification certainly pay a big part.

What would the suggestions be for trades?
How many VOGs or Leningrads is a Red Star worth for example?

With "the site" research is not worth as many $$ as previously. Specially if you can do it yourself.