I guess it depends on your personal quality standards....I try and only collect higher grade signs, that way you only have to buy them once with no need to upgrade. I wouldn't have paid that much for it personally, but the times they are a changin' on all pump plates. I'm having a hard time swallowing some of the prices being paid for these plates. 4 or so years ago I bought a better condition (than the one in question) 1946 Mobilgas plate for $85 on Ebay, ended up trading it for a Mobilgas plate variation last year I didn't have that a dealer had priced at $225. Like I said, the market has changed in just the last year or two on these plates and they are definately bringing stronger money in all conditions.
Darin