Well, it looks like you were right all along, Dave. I contacted the seller and he informed me that the only issue with this piece was the box (a small gouge in it, which he mentions in the description). Other than that, the gentleman stated that it was, indeed, mint.

I apologize for misreading the description originally.

Of course, now that we know that it is OK, the next question would be why he'd start the bidding at only $9.99...?