What is a Pinball Machine Worth?
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The value of a pinball machine is a highly subjective subject. A totally restored Medieval Madness might sell to a serious collector for well in excess of $10,000. A pinball dealer might offer $5000 for the same machine a week later. A tire-kicker might offer $3000 because the machine is "not original".
So pinball price is dependent on desirability, availability, and condition. Guides are available that track the price on an annual basis.
A dirty machine, without serious damage, can take 40 hours to clean up and $400 in plastics, rubbers, lamps and materials. Add another $200 for legs, door and trim. Playfield swaps add another 40 hours and $600 - $900 for the playfield. And cabinet decals are another 20 hours plus $300 for the decals.
Broadly speaking, pinball machines price out into several groups. Each group has a high and low section.
Exceptions - pinball machines that can exceed $10,000.
Big Bang Bar
Medieval Madness, premium restoration
Cactus Canyon
The "A" List - $4000 and up
Medieval Madness
Monster Bash
Black Spider-Man
The "B" List - $3000 - $4000
Attack from Mars
Cirqus Voltaire
Safecracker
Lord of the Rings
Spider-Man
Theater of Magic
The Simpsons' Pinball Party
Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure
Twilight Zone
The "C" List - $2000 - $3000
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Whitewater
The "D" List - Under $2,000 - great value machines
Demolition Man
Johnny Mnemonic
Judge Dredd
Checking auction sites and wanted ads Completed auctions on sites like pinpedia.com and ebay can give a *rough* indication of a machines current value.
Resale value In general, if the machine is well looked after you tend not to lose too much money when the time comes to sell it on. They can take a while to sell, due to the dwindling popularity of the hobby.