They seem to be going around $3,000 for a nice #9 and around $3500 for the #8. Of course this varies with area and who's selling them.

Obviously, the spike in semi-auto sales has kept the rest of the market up.  In the last month or so I have noticed a slight decrease in the antiques market,  but i think much of that is some of the dealers that had gone to the 200%-300% of book value are having to revisit what is realistic.  I really don't think the value has subsided, just the number of people that can afford to reach that mark has certainly decreased.       As we all know there will always be folks with deep pockets...Your No. 8 and No. 9 rifles certainly aren't your run of the mill items.  I would think they fit in at about 75-80% of the blue book blue value.  Vall is pretty in tune which pricing especially on the ballards, if he believes $3xxx dollar range is where there selling...that what there getting, I suppose it all depends on how long you want them around.  As you probably well know as soon as you get above that 75% condition range everything begins to change on a 120+ year old rifle.  At least Cabelas thinks so...lol....  

Not familiar with the reference you mentioned Bob. I didn't look them up in Fladerman's Gudie prior to answering, but went from what I've seen sell around here, and at the Reno gun show.
Saw a pretty nice one on Gunbroker late last year with a starting price of around $4500 that didn't even get a bid. Flayderman's guide puts one in Excellent condition at $3750 for a #8, and $3500 for a #9. Very good at $1750 and $1500, (which I find rediculous.)-Vall

I would agree with kOwtz on his assertion as I've watched Ballards go up and down for 40 years.  My observation is that when they do go down its not very much. After all this is a supply and demand world we live in and there are not any more "origional" Ballards being made. So I do believe it will just keep on climbing untill only the museums have them. Or our "widows" sell them too cheap.
                             Don