Photos and grades: My system

There are various systems used to grade model diecast vehicles. Some are very simple using condition A, B or C but I prefer to use my own grading system that covers most conditions and rarity. The grading of Dinky and Corgi models can be quite fickle and some models may be advertised at much higher prices on specialist sites than, say on E-Bay. We have to remember that on E-Bay the seller is King and he can ask what he likes. Some models are outrageously under-priced and some are over-priced. I feel that a) if you use my grading system you can avoid inflated prices, and, b) if prices are ridiculously low go for it! It all depends on the seller's needs and buyer demand: Some sellers are naive about value anyway. Let me give you an example: Dinky 40j is an Austin Somerset. This model is scarce but some seller somewhere does not know this so he puts it up on E-Bay in fair condition for 5 pounds sterling (no box/playworn). Another seller puts the same model in the same condition on E-Bay at 20 pounds sterling. Collectors will snap both of these up because the model is scarce. If I'm not making sense then let's just say that demand will always pre-dominate. And that's what I mean by fickle (in the seller's case).

This same Austin Somerset can fetch a catalogue value of 100 sterling if mint and boxed. We should never underestimate the possibility that we can buy a bargain from the naive seller BUT if you want top grade, then you are dealing with an informed seller and he won't budge from top price.

Sounds confusing but it's all a case of scarcity and supply and demand. Picture above is of a scarce model: A Dinky Toys Peugeot 504 made in Spain with a mint box. Spanish Dinkys are scarce and this is a genuine brand spanking new model in a beauty of a box. However it is only worth 80 Sterling because there was not much demand for this model of a car with little personality and long in the tooth (35 years ago the car was very popular). Older cars sometimes only come into their own at a later stage. I'll keep this beauty for a while and sell it on at 150 sterling in five years time.