Ignorance. Greed. (Un)reality shows. Lingering exaggerated rumors/stories from the 1980's-90's. Published price guides of dubious origin. Collectibles 'authorities' who have a vested interest in hyping caretakers of junk into fantasies of wealth.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
And, yet, it is the cardinal rule in a free market to be able to name your own price. It only takes one buyer to make one sale. Scruples or no.....it happens.
Caveat emptor. Do your homework before buying. It's called due diligence.....something the savvy folks do.
Looks bad? Looks too high? ......walk away.
KD