Strategic Partnering for Estate Planners: Expert Numismatic Appraisals and Liquidation

Our Comprehensive Estate Services

We offer a suite of services specifically designed to integrate with your legal workflow. Whether you are in the planning stages or the final stages of probate, our process is built for accuracy and transparency.

1. IRS-Compliant & Date-of-Death Appraisals

Tax preparers and attorneys require precision. We provide formal appraisals based on the specific Date-of-Death (DOD) to establish the correct cost basis for the estate. Our appraisals are defensible, detailed, and compliant with current IRS regulations regarding tangible personal property.

2. Equitable Distribution Consulting

When multiple heirs are involved, “splitting the collection” is rarely as simple as counting the coins. We provide a breakdown of the collection’s value, allowing for a fair and equal distribution of assets, or a structured liquidation where the cash proceeds are divided instead.

3. U.S. Paper Money: The Overlooked Asset

It is a common pitfall for estate executors to overlook U.S. paper currency, often assuming old bills are only worth face value. High-denomination notes, “Large Size” currency (pre-1928), and National Bank Notes can carry immense numismatic premiums. Our appraisers specialize in identifying these “hidden” estate assets, ensuring that a $100 bill from 1922 isn’t accidentally deposited at the bank for $100.

Flexible Liquidation: Private Sale vs. Preferred Auction Consignment

Unlike many firms that only offer a single “take it or leave it” buy price, American Rarities offers a dual-pathway approach to liquidation. We analyze the collection and recommend the path that nets the estate the highest possible return.

Path A: The Private Sale (Speed & Certainty)

A private sale to American Rarities is often the preferred choice for estate settlements requiring immediate closure.

• Speed: Immediate written offer and payment via company check, ACH, or wire.
• Certainty: A locked-in price that is not subject to market fluctuations or auction-day “no-shows.”
• No Fees: We charge no commissions, buyer’s premiums, or lot fees. The price we offer is the amount the estate receives.

Path B: Preferred Auction Consignment (Maximizing Rarity)

For exceptionally high-value or “trophy” collections, an auction may be the best route to maximize value. Through our long-standing affiliations with the major national numismatic auction houses, we act as your client’s advocate.

• Preferential Treatment: Our professional volume allows us to secure better consignment rates than an individual executor could get on their own.
• Expert Placement: We ensure the collection is cataloged correctly and placed in the right themed auction to attract the most aggressive bidders.
• Advocacy: We manage the entire consignment process, from grading and authentication to final settlement, providing a single point of contact for the estate.

The American Rarities Advantage: 30 Years of Trust

We aren’t just coin buyers; we are a nationwide network of numismatic professionals. When you partner with us, you are leveraging:

• E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): We are Life Members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and authorized dealers for PCGS and NGC.
• A+ Rating with the BBB: Our reputation for integrity is documented through decades of service and a 4.7-star rating with Google My Business.
• Nationwide Reach: Our buyers travel across the country to meet with attorneys and their clients in person, ensuring a secure and professional “chain of custody.”

Our Secure Professional Process

1. Initial Remote Appraisal: You or your client provides an inventory list or clear photographs. Our team performs a preliminary evaluation to determine the scope and estimated value of the collection.
2. The Strategic Recommendation: We provide an accurate, written offer to purchase the collection and an assessment of whether certain items should be sent to auction for higher returns.
3. Secure Logistics: For larger estates, we coordinate private, in-person meetings at your law office or the client’s home. For smaller holdings, we offer a 100% no-risk Mail-In Service with fully insured packages and active tracking.
4. Immediate Payout or Consignment Management: Payment for private sales is issued immediately. For auction items, we handle all logistics until the auction house issues the final proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions for Legal Professionals

Do you charge for appraisals?

We offer free initial appraisals for the purpose of potential liquidation. If a formal, extensive written appraisal for court-ordered probate is required without an intent to sell, we offer those services at a competitive hourly or flat-fee rate.

How do you handle gold and silver bullion?

We provide transparent, market-leading rates for gold and silver bullion. Unlike retail coin shops, we understand the nuances of “spot price” vs. “premium” and ensure the estate receives the maximum value for its precious metals.

Is the collection insured during the process?

Absolutely. Whether we are meeting in person or using our secure mail-in service, the assets are fully insured with no deductible. We prioritize the security of the estate’s property at every step.

Partner with a Trusted Numismatic Expert

Do not leave your client’s rare coin or paper money assets to chance. Ensure you are fulfilling your fiduciary duty by working with a firm that values accuracy, transparency, and flexible liquidation options.

Contact us today to discuss an estate collection or to schedule a consultation.

Note to Professionals: To begin the process, please email your inventory list or photographs to staff@americanrarities.com or text us at 720-600-4740. We will respond promptly with an initial evaluation.