Structural estimation of the affiliated private value auction model

We consider the structural estimation of the affiliated private value (APV) model in first-price sealed-bid auctions. The model allows for bidders' individual efficiencies and opportunity costs, while permitting dependence among bidders' private values through affiliation. We establish the nonparametric identification of the APV model, characterize its theoretical restrictions, and propose a computationally convenient and consistent two-step nonparametric estimation procedure for estimating the joint private value distribution from observed bids. Using simulated bid data, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement our procedure and show the good behavior of our estimator in small samples.