Size is only one factor that goes into valuing a bobcat pelt, quality is the biggest factor......and not all bobcat are created equal. Different regions of the country produce different colored strains of bobcat. Compare photos of bobcats from New England with cats from the mountain west, or one from the upper midwest to cats from Texas and you can see the difference.
The most valuable cats, or so I'm told, are the ones with wide belly bands of white fur with black spots. The wider the white belly band and more pronounced the black spots, the higher the pelt will be graded at auction. Cats from the mountain west region from about Yellowstone through northern Utah are the cats that are currently bringing the premium prices. It is extremely unlikely you'll find a cat from outside this region sellng anywhere close to the $1,500 range....or at least until consumer's tastes change.