In my last article titled "To Sell or Not to Sell," I discussed the possibility of selling my high-grade vintage comic book collection. The collection was amassed over several years and contains near mint examples of some of the most sought after key issues from the bronze and silver age eras. Since the time that article was published the collection was consigned to Heritage Auctions, and it will be offered it in an upcoming Signature Auction to take place this May. My decision to part with the collection was not an easy one and upon making my decision I was left with multiple options. Some of these options included selling the collection privately, consigning the collection to a well-known dealer, and the option I chose, consigning it to auction.
The decision to consign it to auction was an easy one. I already had an exit strategy in place when I started building the collection almost a decade ago. The collection was not only built out of nostalgia and emotion but also with an investment element in mind. Prior to the time I started to accumulate these comic books, superheroes continued to dominate everything from Hollywood to video games to popular culture. By the time I bought the first book in the collection I already had an established relationship with most well-known dealers and established auctioneers. All I had to do was decide to sell and contact several auction houses that I knew would be interested in obtaining the collection. Heritage Auctions made the offer to come to my house, review the collection in great detail, and pick up the collection in person, leaving me with no shipping costs. Due to the fact that the collection was already graded by CGC (Comics Guaranty Corporation) and all the books were in 9.2 or better condition, I was also able to negotiate a more than fair consignment rate that made letting go of the collection all the more easier.
Before contacting Heritage Auctions I spoke to several other dealers and auction galleries that cater to high-end vintage comic books. Due to the estimated value of the collection, Heritage Auctions was able to at least match the terms and conditions offered by other auction galleries and they closed the deal by offering to pick up the books in person. I also chose to consign some coins and currency with them as well.
I thought my decision to sell would be much more difficult than it was. As I start to see the scans of my coveted books appear on the Heritage Auctions website, however, I can't help but feel both excited and saddened. I know the books will achieve some of the best prices possible, but at the same time I still can't help but wonder if I will miss some of my books. One book in particular, “The House of Secrets #92” (first appearance of The Swamp Thing) in CGC 9.4 I already miss, mainly for the fact that it features one of my favorite stories of all time. I keep telling myself that I can always buy the book again if my feelings persist. I also am glad I chose to sell at this particular point in time. At the beginning of May the newest Avengers movie hits theaters and comic book fans have been eagerly awaiting its release for well over two years now. This should help fuel the demand for most of my books, especially since so many of the books I consigned feature characters that make an appearance in this movie. Heritage Auction Galleries has always had the unique ability to schedule some of their most prolific auctions at the best times and this is no exception.
This experience has taught me that all collectors should eventually sell either part or all of their collections while they are still alive. I now know that I would have no problem letting go of any of my other collections if I felt the time was right. Before my decision to sell I was worried that I had become too concerned with amassing high-end collections of various items. It got to the point where the most important piece in my collection was always the one I had yet to own. Deciding to part with my comic book collection ensured I would always know that there are much more important things in life than just things.Preparing to sell this collection also showed me valuable insight into the current marketplace and allowed me to make new connections with other collectors and auctioneers. I look forward to doing another follow-up article after the collection is sold. Until that time comes I continue to enjoy seeing the scans of my coveted books appear online with each passing day.