The E-Sylum:  Volume 5, Number 21, May 19, 2002, Article 13

AUCTION ESTIMATES:  THE TOKEN EV SCALE

  Duane H. Feisel writes: "I read with interest each issue of
  the E-Sylum, and really appreciate your efforts.  I commend
  you for your even-handed approach in dealing with matters
  that may have some controversy.

  The latest E-Sylum has a section concerned with bidding
  estimates.  You probably have not seen the catalogs for the
  auctions I manage -- one per year each for the National
  Token Collectors Association (NATCA) and for the
  Western States Token Society (WESTS).  These catalogs
  are published in "Talkin' Tokens," the official monthly
  publication of NATCA.

  For each lot there is an Estimated Value code or, less
  frequently, a Minimum Bid provided.  I require consignors
  to assign those EVs although on occasions I might make
  suggestions.  However, the final listed EV is that of the
  consignor.  In each auction there are surprises both on the
  high side and low of the Estimated Value.

  The Estimated Value uses a code that I developed.  This
  EV table is "official" for NATCA and is used by the
  membership.

  The valuations were derived from "powers of 2" up to a
  certain point, but rounded off after that for simplicity.
  And the Estimated Value is a range as follows:

  EV1 = up to $2
  EV2 = $2 to $4
  EV3 = $4 to $8
  EV4 = $8 to $16
  EV5 = $16 to $32
  EV6 = $32 to $64
  EV7 = $64 to $125
  EV8 = $125 to $250
  EV9 = $250 to $500
  EV10 = $500 to $1000
  EV11 = $1000 to $2000
  EV12 = $2000 to $4000

  (As a reminder for anyone who has forgotten their high
  school math, 2 to the first power is 2, 2 to the second
  power is 4, 2 to the third power is 8, two to the fourth
  power is 16, two to the fifth power is 32, etc.) and so on.
  The concept for this Estimated Value Scale was derived
  from the idea behind the Universal Rarity Scale (URS)
  conceived by Q. David Bowers several years ago that is
  based on "powers of 2."  I think it is unfortunate that
  Bowers' URS is not used more widely or more universally.

  I believe the inclusion of EV in my token auctions helps
  the less knowledgeable collector develop a bidding
  strategy."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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