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#WorthPoint #Charizard #VintageJewelry #Collectibles #PokemonInvest #TechCollectibles #RareCollectables #Antiques #SilverJewelry #PopCultureCollectibles #HistoricItems #VintageTech #ConsoleCollectores #FilmMemorabilia #VintageDesign
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has a keen eye for unique and valuable items sold at auctions by WorthPoint’s Industry Partners. By sharing his insights on recent notable sales, Seippel aims to inform and empower collectors, helping them navigate the buying and selling landscape with confidence. On May 12th, WorthPoint expanded its Price Guide by 234,210 items, adding a total value of $18,926,033.59, with an average lot value of $80.81. Below, Seippel highlights some standout sales and trends in the collectibles market.
Is the Charizard Fire Dying Down?
Goldin’s recent auction showcased the enduring appeal of Pokémon cards, particularly the iconic 1999 first edition Charizard. A PSA GEM MT 10 Charizard card sold for $213,500, a significant amount but short of the record $336,000 set at Heritage in 2022. This price dip reflects a cooling market and an increased supply—there are now around 140 PSA 10 examples, up from 120 a few years ago. Despite this, Charizard remains a collector favorite, thanks to its holofoil shimmer, Mitsuhiro Arita’s iconic artwork, and its legendary status among fans. Pokémon cards dominated the top lots, with four of the top five sales, while a sealed 2007 AT&T iPhone sold for $43,920, highlighting the growing market for early tech collectibles. While the Charizard peak may be past, its desirability endures.
Classic Elegance
Grogan’s auction featured a stunning selection of jewelry and silver, totaling $2,093,687.50 across 318 lots, averaging $6,583.92 per item. The top lot was an 11.33 carat pear-shaped diamond ring set in platinum, which sold for $256,300. Its GIA report graded the center stone as E color with SI2 clarity, complemented by tapered baguettes, making it a timeless piece of elegance. Another highlight was a 1773 silver coffee pot crafted by Richard Humphreys, a colonial Philadelphia silversmith and philanthropist, which sold for $34,375. Humphreys is remembered for founding Cheyney University, the oldest historically Black college in the U.S. The coffee pot, despite minor repairs, serves as a tangible link to both craftsmanship and history.
Pop Culture Collectibles
Van Eaton Galleries made waves with the sale of the original stunt bicycle from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure for $125,000. This bike, one of fourteen made for the film, was photo-matched to key scenes, including the vine swing and Pee-wee’s iconic crash. Its restoration preserved many original elements, making it a one-of-a-kind artifact from the beloved cult classic. Another remarkable item was Ralph McQuarrie’s personal artist kit, used during the production of the original Star Wars trilogy, which sold for $5,625. This modest price belies its significance—McQuarrie’s concept art defined the visual identity of Star Wars, bringing characters like Darth Vader and C-3PO to life. The kit, including paints, mediums, and sketch blocks in a wood case with an ILM Art Department button, is a rare piece of cinematic history.
The Pilgrim Can
Morean Auctions featured the sale of a rare Croft Pilgrim Flat Top beer can from the 1930s, which fetched $53,820. This unopened, near-mint can is one of the finest examples of this New England label, known for its metallic green luster and minimal wear. Its condition surpassed the image featured in the USBC Guide, cementing its status as one of the most desirable cans in the hobby. The overall auction totaled $556,100, with an average lot value nearing $1,000, but the Croft Pilgrim was the undisputed star.
Conclusion
Will Seippel’s insights into these auctions reveal diverse trends in the collectibles market, from the enduring appeal of iconic items like the Charizard card to the rising interest in early tech collectibles and historical artifacts. Each sale underscores the importance of rarity, condition, and provenance in driving value. Seippel, a longtime collector and dealer, continues to share his expertise through WorthPoint, helping others discover, value, and preserve unique pieces of history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, understanding these trends can empower you to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of collectibles.
About Will Seippel:
Will Seippel is the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint. With decades of experience as a collector and dealer, he specializes in antiques, particularly ephemera. He is also the creator of HIP, a website dedicated to preserving the world’s historical moments captured on film. WorthPoint’s mission is to help collectors and enthusiasts discover, value, and preserve the treasures of the past.
