It really depends on the condition of the first number of issues.

As a ballpark figure, I wouldn't start to think about selling the first 100 issues for less than $1000 although for $1200 I would seriously start considering it.  A quick breakdown, would be:

$500 1-6
$250 7-12
$220 13-35
$50 36-45
$45 45-60
$40 61-100
----------------
$1105

TheHistorian wrote:I came up with more like $750, but I'm cheap.  

Ditto, but condition could vary that upwards or downwards considerably.  Be sure to take the time and thumb through each issue.  Some people liked to take out modules or the mini games for instance.  And the only way to find writing and highlighting is to look through every page.  It's also fairly rare to find a set without smoke damage, although lots of patience and airing can get rid of most all of the smell.  Although if I were buying a collection like that, I'd really only pay serious attention to issues 1-50.  

Mars wrote:What are your breakdowns for $750 estimates?

This would be for VGC, the minimum collectible condition.
$450 1-10
$100 11-20
$100 13-35
$50 36-100

Personally, I paid less than that, and my collection is mostly nicer than VGC, but I acquired my collection over many years, just completing it about six months ago.  Like TheHistorian, I'm cheap.  

I recall an Australian ebay auction maybe 2 years ago for a complete run of 1-? that went for about $700... there was a substantial discount from small lot or individual prices.

Mars wrote:
I am cheap too and paid about $500 for a near complete set (complete up until around issue 320 or so).

A huge lot generally gets a discount because it really doesn't appeal to too many people (especially the shipping) - also shipping from Australia would deter a large portion of the audience.  I would suspect the lot would have done a lot better in the US.

Buying larger lots and then selling off what you don't need is the way to go if you are a responsible seller.  Lots of people just don't have the liquidity to pluck down a chunk of cash so you get the discount.  Katchoo, you do what you want, but I'd whip out $750.00 in cash (or whatever you want to offer) after carefully considering condition and watch the cash effect take over.

There's probably another term for this effect, but there's something about seeing a big wad a cash that causes people to momentarily lose their perspective.     Seriously, ever wonder why those men fling around big wads of $20.00 bills as they hawk their little win cash/prizes games at the county fair?  It's a little trick (if you want to call it that) I've used with good effect over the years.

Just a lil update... I ended up getting the collection for $850.    I'm quite happy with them; they are almost all in perfect shape.  I checked each issue to make sure everything was complete.  Two of them had the mailing covers, still.  One issue has some issues with the cover, but I'll live with it, for now.    lol  Maybe I'll get a replacement, eventually.  

Thanks again for all of your advice and help, all!  

~Kat  ^_^

Katchoo wrote:Just a lil update... I ended up getting the collection for $850.    I'm quite happy with them; they are almost all in perfect shape.  I checked each issue to make sure everything was complete.  Two of them had the mailing covers, still.  One issue has some issues with the cover, but I'll live with it, for now.    lol  Maybe I'll get a replacement, eventually.  

Thanks again for all of your advice and help, all!  

~Kat  ^_^

You did very well.  Congrats!  

Katchoo,

Two years ago at Gencon my copy of Dragon #16 with mailing cover went for $65.  Having the mailing cover on does effect price.  Mine was so high because it was rated at NM to Mint.

Martin