Value is often based on quantity. 1000 Pavarottis were issued and you can pick one up anytime for $40. They used to sell for $100. An issue of 750 or 777 will ultimately have a value of about $60 based on quantity made. If some people manage to get a lot and hang on to them the price will stay high for a longer period, but then the investment is a loss on the balance sheet until the strikes are sold. As for the ones that "walk" that is part of the formula and if you want the Reno Blues, you pay the price or fly to Reno and play for them. Two collectors flew up to Reno and after they had won their sets, both of them and cashed in the ones they did not need the total price came to $120 for the Blues. Not bad, but probably lucky. In the meantime...pay the price, go to Reno or go without, as many of us are doing...Peter