Is there an up or downside to owning a sample vs a production model?

Do samples usually sell for more money due to the fact that they are rarer?

I would suggest you search RGP through Google Groups for more info..  There's a lot of debate on this all the time..  It seems the only people who think they are worth more are the owners..  Samples are not usually worth more.  Very few machines are a worth more as proto but some are such as TZ (3rd magnet), Easrthshaker (sinking building), etc...  It all depends on what it has more to offer..  For example F-14 samples are not rare at all and aren't worth more..

It's not all black and white as to what is a true proto and an early sample..  True prototypes are extremely rare..  Usually people have early samples and the THINK they have a proto as they would have the same tell tale signs (red boards, extra features, etc)..  It's all in the serial number..


My 0.02$

Mike

I agree. I would not pay any more money for a sample game. My CV is a sample game with a "Tickle the Ringmaster" playfield, but in the end it is only a selling point, maybe in the end it makes it more desirable, but I do not think anyone would pay any more for it. Unless you are a collector of sample games, there is really no extra value that is added in my opinion.

depends on the item

Totally nuts to pay that amount of money, IMHO. But to each his own, I hope he enjoys it.