In October 2008 I auctioned Wealth on eBay. The next month, the worst financial crisis since 1929 took place.
Winning bid: US $25. There was only one bidder. When the auction closed, the winner refused to pay.

Item description:

This sought-after item will be for sale only once by this seller. The seller has experienced much adversity in the current economic climate. He must must divest this item by necessity. even at a net loss. Now is the ideal time to acquire this item. as the difficulty of securing capital and wariness of new investors will keep competition low.

The worldwide distribution of this item has been a matter of much concern. In spite of attempts to "spread" it. the item has only become more concentrated in fewer hands. The seller is interested in bringing this trend to its natural conclusion by concentrating this item into the hands of one person.

Please note that the material and immaterial nature of this item are often disputed. The form taken by this item is highly subjective, depending mainly on the disposition. values, and aspirations of its owner. Although this item is usually perceived as beneficial, the buyer should beware: in some hands this item has been known to create more problems than it solves. In fact. it has been argued that many who possess this item are less happy than without it.

Be advised that the pursuit of this item has caused many of the greatest and most infamous plots, schemes, adventures, misadventures, comedies and tragedies of popular fact and fiction. This item has also been possessed by a majority of the well-known families and individuals in history. In fact, many have achieved renown simply by virtue of this item alone. Thus. a fringe benefit of this item is its potential to increase the likelihood of a lasting legacy.

Finally, the buyer should beware that possession of this item rarely, if ever, continues beyond one's demise.

The buyer will receive a signed, archival quality certificate of ownership, pictured below.