I’ve received some interesting responses to the article posted earlier today, Trend: The “Hype Premium”.
Some have pointed out that part of the reason for the significantly lower price realized on the Spider-Man mask yesterday (to coincide with the home video release), compared with the one sold back in May (during the theatrical release), is in part due to the eye lens being missing on the more recent auction.
However, just a few days earlier, a back Spider-Man mask with both lenses intact (and in much better condition than both) actually sold for slightly less than the mask that ended yesterday ($4,950 vs. $5,369).
SPIDER-MAN 3 FRAMED COSTUME PIECE BLACK MASK HEAD NR!
While the red version is more iconic and presumably desirable, there is no getting around the fact that we now have two “home video release” sales for around $5,000, whereas the mask sold at the time of the theatrical release surpassed $17,000.
Having said all that, I have found a true “Apples to Apples” comparison…
May 2007 (Theatrical Release)
SPIDER-MAN 3 DAILY BUGLE NEW YORK NEWSPAPER COVER NR!!
Price Realized at Auction: $2,125.00
October 2007 (Home Video Release)
SPIDER-MAN 3 DAILY BUGLE “THIEF” NEWSPAPER COVER NO RES
Price Realized at Auction: $207.50
So, with this comparison, we have the same seller, with the exact same item, with the exact same description, with the exact same photos.
The difference in price realized – in the span of less than six months – is amazing. Over a 1,000% increase in price realized at auction.
And it is a fairly ordinary, unremarkable item – not used or worn by the main character/hero, but merely a set piece or background piece, presumably mass produced for the film.
Again, this is a great example illustrating the power of the “Hype Premium”.
Jason De Bord