This is like saying that a $100 bill is worth no more than it's "real value": the value of a quarter sheet of paper. Provenance, rarity, and psychology play a

This is like saying that a $100 bill is worth no more than it's "real value": the value of a quarter sheet of paper. Provenance, rarity, and psychology play a significant part in the value of any object. What's worth $500 to you is (apparently) worth many millions to others. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a genuine Stradivari, please let me know -- I will gladly purchase it from you for your perceived value.