Once again, the auction registration closed in a record time, with 786 lots submitted and 665 lots accepted. The store, ended with just over our maximum limit at 1,550, after accepting lots rejected for the auction. 

Auction prices improved for the sellers in 2017, with the average for items sold rising 8% from $26.67 in 2016 to $28.89 in 2017. The auction sold a total of 662 items, with no unsold lots and three no shows. The items sold for just over $19K, up 27% from 2016 due to an additional 96 games sold. Six items sold for $200 or more, with John Jacoby’s Big Board Circus Maximus taking top billing at $510. Other big dollar items included Command Magazine #1-41 Collection for $260, Puerto Rico Anniversary Edition for $210, S&T Collection of 28 issues from #140-#179 for $200, 1862 for $200, and a Robo Rally 5 Game Collection for $200. Another 12 items sold for between $100 and $190, 55 items sold for between $50 and $95, and 143 items sold for between $30 and $49.  At the low end of the scale, 102 items sold for less than $10, 33% fewer than last year. Scroll down for an itemized list of sales.

The requirement of a $1 minimum bid worked well for the auctioneers and staff and will remain in effect for future years.

From a buyer’s perspective, 118 different buyers walked home with games from the auction, up 33% from last year.  Eight buyers spent more than $500 and an additional 29 buyers spent more than $100. 

At the auction store, the number of sellers was up 46%, with 70 sellers. A total of 1,488 items, of the 1,550 registered, were delivered Monday night. The line to enter the store on Tuesday started to form at 8am, with the store opening at 9am. Only 79% of items sold, or 1,180, which is 4% worse than in 2016. However, the average selling price for auction store items was $13.65, up 10% from last year’s $12.39.  In the store, 105 items sold at the top price of $30, another 267 items sold for over $20, and 429 items sold for between $10 and $19. The quality of the auction store continues to improve as the auction closes earlier each year.

In an effort to improve the auction process, the minimum number of lots required for submision in 2018 will be increased to 10, the same as the auction store.

Thanks to everyone who participated as both buyers and sellers at this year’s event and we look forward to seeing you again in 2018.