To Sell or Not to Sell? And at What Price?

[SW3D]

I'm new to the selling game. And I've elected to use Ebay as my first distribution channel to sell my graded childhood collection.

 

So far, it has been a painful process (not because of eBay)... to actually accept letting go of things I so truly cherish.

 

But I've taken a deep breath and reminded myself, "Remember the goal: to downsize your collection and make room for only comics you so truly desire, and the proceeds from the sales of these comics will go towards buying those holy grail comics you always dreamed about."

 

I just hope they find the right homes.

 

Well, in my research and comparitive analysis of the market (factoring in replacement costs, intrinsic value, recent transactions, relative valuations, etc.), and figuring out how to price my comics according to these factors, I've reached a minor dilema.

 

After reviewing the CGC Census population of Batman 530, I've come to understand I own the only graded copy of a Direct Edition Variant. There's really nothing special about the comic per se, except it is the only CGC graded one of its kind... for the moment. I bought this one back in the day, from a local LCS. Never bothered to read it. I think what piqued my interest was the guest appearance of Deadman, and the phantasmagorical cover art which reminded me of those gloomy German Impressionists paintings I once saw at the MOMA. It has a bizarre and occult tone that I like.

 

There is also the newwstand edition, which features the very same artwork and no difference that I can ascertain.

 

And then there's the a Glow-In-The-Dark version, which seems to be the more popular one.

 

Overall, there is a grand total graded population of 14 Batman 530's (all three editions combined), of which 11 are 9.8's, and of which, the one I own, is the only one of its kind (I must reiterate... so far). It's sitting there, all by its lonesome.

 

So my dilema is: Because of its potential rarity, shall I sell it or hold on to it for a few years somehow hoping it will remain the only one of its kind?

 

If the answer is to sell... at what price? At the moment, no CGC versions of Batman 530 (Newsstand Edition or Glow-In-The-Dark Direct Edition's are on auction). Some raw ungraded ones are up for sale, but none of which are the green covered direct edition which I own.

 

Of course, there could be another problem. This could simply be a mistake of the CGC in which they may have accidentally mislabeled my version a "Variant Cover" when in fact, it's not.

 

Anyway... I would appreciate your thoughts, opinions, and feedback.

 

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Happy Collecting!

 

SW3D

 

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[Ronnylama]

I submitted 5 of my Spider-Man vs Wolverines and got 3 or 4 back in a 9.8. One of them, which I love the most, has a yellow label (this is before I SS'd my books (and the following ECCC I got plenty of signatures only to get verified) I learned from this yet still the mislabeled book I own still carries the universal points...I still live it.

People search for mis labeled books but I haven't needed or wanted to sell this mistake....Perhaps I might open it to get a true SS.

In your case, it might go for more even if you explain it is an error book.

 

I love that cover...the dark and lights are outstanding

[kaholo1256]

SW3D - Its an amazing comic worthy of holding onto but I only say this because like you said there isn't much else going for it aside from it being an OAK book. Your really looking at marketing it for either a completionist like myself, another board member, or simply another lover of the cover such as yourself.

 

My suggestion and i'm not quite sure of edicate on here, maybe look up whoever is currently in the lead on this particular Registry Set and see if they would be willing to pay a decent price for it. For me and a few series I enjoy thats actually how I got a few. Boardies would simply message me and ask if I was interested. I guess it would largely depend if they were active enough, say added an issue in the last month or so, but it would be your best bet for maybe a fair price along with ensuring someone else who enjoys the series gets this one of a kind amazing cover.

 

If not I would hold onto it until maybe the buzz for Deadman and or the Dark Justice League drums up in sites such as Comicvine and all before looking to unload it.

 

For me, the buyer in me says hold onto it, the boardie in me says look for the completionist on here, and the pretend Seller in me... well i guess I already explained that one.

 

Good luck on the decision SW3D

[SW3D]

Dear Ronny and K-man,

 

Thank you for your feedback and opinions.

 

Based upon what you both said... I will hold on to it for a little longer.

It is a nice book... the cover is striking and the condition can't be beat.

 

K-man... a special salute to you! Thanks for your service and defending our great country!!!!

 

SW3D