Where Southeby's would normally handle such a rare piece of sporting memorabilia, there are so many cheap Australian caps flooding the market that their future sales could be more suited to eBay.
Three more hats will be handed out on Thursday morning. It used to be unusual for one to be presented per series.
There is no doubt Australian cricket is struggling and combined with an increase in Test commitments, the value of what was once the most prized piece of sporting equipment in this country has been devalued.
Receiving a baggy green was a reward within itself. It was the prize for years of work and patience waiting for an opportunity.
And once you had it, no-one could take it from you. Even if sold (Don Bradman's cap fetched $425,000 at a 2003 auction) it will forever remain the spiritual property of the first wearer.
Steve Waugh held off replacing his dilapidated baggy green because it contained the smell, the feel, the essence of his Test career.
Now there is hardly the trace of a bead of sweat in some Australian players' hats.
