davidc wrote:I hate to go too far OT with minis, but just a quick question...

I picked up a Grenadier Lizard King box set - Special Edition # 2531.  Link to picture here:

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~tpope/sol/grenad ... s/2531.jpg

I bought it to paint, but before I rip it open, thought I'd ask if it has any special value as a collectable?

Not that I know of.  I think I sold one of those once.  Grenadier is generally not known for its superior craftsmanship like Ral Partha.  I personally like them as they pumped out quite a variety of minis in the 25mm scale I prefer.  I would say Ral Partha stuff is much more likely to be on the collectible side, at least from that era (1985 to 2000).

The Grenadier Special Edition sets can get a decent price but not exorbitant by any means.  I could imagine a wide range of values for this lizard in the shrinkwrap from $20 up to $50.  There are a small number of Grenadier collectors and it all depends on who's looking at a particular time.

davidc wrote:(but, I enjoy my painted mini collection and my being-painted mini collection more than my sw mini collection...

I am with you there!  I collect books and modules but don't prefer them in shrink (sorry smarmy), and don't want my minis still in the blister either.  I get stuff to use/read it.  Don't get me wrong, I like everything in great shape, but I don't sweat less than near mint.  

I respect people who like the shrink and newness, but it's just not my cup of tea.  I certainly sell plenty of unopened miniature blisters to people.  Go with what works for you.