Why estates need an independent appraisal
A common scenario: the will or trust of a long-time coin collector states that the coins must be equitably distributed among the heirs. To allocate the collection fairly, each coin must be individually appraised — a dealer's rough offer for "the lot" cannot tell an executor what an heir is actually inheriting.
A written appraisal report from an independent appraiser gives every party the same defensible numbers: heirs, the estate attorney, the CPA and, when required, the probate court.
- Individual valuation — each coin appraised and documented on its own terms, not as a lump sum.
- On-site work — performed where the collection is located; the client never loses possession or control of the coins.
- Third-party deliverable — a comprehensive written report that can be sent to lawyers, accountants, courts and fiduciaries.
- Conservatorships & trusts — valuations suited to conservatorship, trust administration and probate documentation.
- Updates — periodic reappraisals when estate planning or insurance requires current values.
Working with your professionals: Joel J. Forman routinely assists the client's lawyer and/or accountant during estate planning, and can serve as an expert witness if a dispute arises.
Next step: describe the collection and receive a written scope of work — contact Joel J. Forman or first read how the process works.