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Mint condition sweetens the sale
Mint condition sweetens the sale
Dharma Food Bundle from ABC's Lost
Date of Origin: 2005
Estimated Value: $400-$600

Lost was not only a cultural phenomenon, it also has the potential to be a memorabilia coup for thousands of fans. Rarely has a show generated so many potential souvenirs, and fans will have the chance to bid on everything from passports to personal effects of the Oceanic Flight 815 survivors at a Los Angeles auction conducted by Profiles in History on August 21.

Regardless of how small or seemingly inconsequential a prop can be, keeping the object in tip-top condition is another way to maximize its value. Profiles in History was hired by the studio to catalog and preserve each item as production ramped down, keeping in mind future auction and sales opportunities.

The goal, says Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History, is to be able to get Lost memorabilia into the hands of every fan who wants it -- even if it's just a can of soup or a match book. Still, no matter the firm's estimates, the real cost will be determined once bidding begins. "It is hard to put a value on 20 Dharma beer cans," he says. "I know they will be highly sought after, but will they bring $200 or $2000? I don't know."

NEXT: Recognized can be better than rare

Last updated July 22 2010: 11:03 AM ET
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