But it is certainly a possible future: for profits flow to those with the rare item in any chain.

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The "very, very rare" item was among 322 lots at the annual Beatles memorabilia auction.

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Though his autograph has become the opposite of a rare collector's item, in-person sales remain strong.

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It's rare that you'll be able to recover your purchase price if you have to return an item bought from a dealer or from an auction house.

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