Yep, domain names were at one point well into $xxx a name from original registrars like Network Solutions and Bulkregister.

Some of the big priced domain names were not bought for MANY years...

I know of at least 3 people who almost bought a couple of top quality names but either kept postponing it or baulked at the $250 price.
These were names like business.com , PC.com, etc.

It took years for the 2 letter names to go. They are worth an average of about $50,000 now !! $15000 for 2 crappy letters to $250,000+ for 2 top letters.

Oh, me... No, I missed the boat.. Too young, too late, too bad.