I've found that the old mantra of regional price differences still strongly applies to Raleigh 3 Speeds, despite the popularity of the internet. I've seen somewhat marginal Raleigh Sports bicycles from the 1970s sell for over $100 here in DC-- they're becoming somewhat popular with the hipster university crowd as well as with people who are looking for short distance commuter bikes (gas prices here are quite bad this year). In other areas away from the city, like places in the upper midwest for example, I've seen rather pristine Sports models well for under $50.

This sort of regional pricing seems to be quite present with Raleigh 3 Speeds, but less so with older balloon tire bicycles (perhaps that's more of a 'collectors' and 'antique' niche where people don't ride them to work?).

Anyway my 2 cents- keep an eye out for bikes both in person and on the internet. If you're not sure, don't be afraid to pass on a bike- with Raleigh Sports bicycles another will come along certainly, you can still find them pretty readily if you're looking.