The other wizard: I understand

https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/69177426

It depends. Did I learn Gentle Repose, and is that staff worth more than 2,500 gp?
It’s an artifact level magic item. It’s worth considerably more than 2500 gp. Probably closer to 100,000-200,000 gp
Side note: you subconsciously pilfer for the proletariat? Sounds like a tough gig. Your ire is likely well-placed, and I support your low-altitude efforts. 🤘🏼
It depends because official magic item prices are vague and bad, but Sane Magic Item Pricing has items that go up to 165,000gp and considers the staff of the magi too powerful to price.
Something tells me that researcher wasn’t allowed to hold the staff and just decided to cover for lack of citable valuation spec. Or, the bearer at the time paid their academic fees, etc. Either way, everything has a price, no matter if it’s for sale —especially to a D&D party. 😐 It may not manifest as commerce, but it will cost them.