Unlocking Tangible Assets: Expert Numismatic Services for Wealth Advisors
A mixed estate holding: 1928 $1 Silver Certificate, 1899 Morgan dollar, 1902 Liberty half eagle, 1909-S VDB cent, proof Silver Eagle, 1914 Barber quarter and an NGC-certified 1922 Peace dollar.
Numismatic services for wealth advisors, estate attorneys and trustees start with two questions: what are a client’s coins, bullion and paper money actually worth, and how can they be valued or sold safely? Since 1990, American Rarities has purchased over $350 million in rare coins, bullion and paper money through a nationwide buying network, with a presence in California, Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and New Jersey. Our team brings hundreds of years of combined experience. We are Life Members of the ANA, a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer and an ANACS submission center, rated A+ by the BBB and 4.7 on Google from 86 reviews.
Below you will find how we handle IRS-compliant appraisals, confidentiality and chain of custody, who we work with and the two ways to liquidate. For a whole estate, see our estate appraisals and liquidation services.
As a wealth advisor or Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), your focus is on a comprehensive financial picture. However, many high-net-worth clients hold a significant portion of their wealth in “unmanaged” tangible assets, inherited rare coin collections, gold and silver bullion, and vintage U.S. paper money.
These assets often sit on the sidelines of a financial plan because they lack transparency and liquidity. At American Rarities, we partner with advisors to bring these “shadow assets” into the light. With over 30 years of expertise, we provide the accurate valuations and seamless liquidation services you need to help your clients rebalance their portfolios and maximize their total return on investment.
The Advisor’s Challenge: Bullion vs. Numismatics
To the untrained eye, a gold coin is just an ounce of precious metal. To a numismatist, that same coin could be a rare “St. Gaudens” double eagle worth five times its melt value.
If your client sells a rare collection at “scrap” prices to a local gold buyer, they are leaving significant alpha on the table. Our role is to provide the Expert Evaluation necessary to distinguish between commodity-grade bullion and high-premium rare coins, ensuring your client receives the full market value of their holdings.
Professional Services for the Modern Portfolio
We provide a suite of services designed to integrate tangible assets into your broader wealth management strategy.
1. Portfolio “Health Check” & Appraisal
Many clients have no idea what their physical holdings are actually worth in today’s market. We provide a preliminary appraisal based on inventory lists or photographs. This allows you to include accurate “Alternative Asset” valuations in your client’s net-worth reporting.
2. Strategic Liquidation for AUM Growth
When a client’s portfolio is over-weighted in physical metals, or when they need liquidity for a new investment opportunity, we provide a fast, secure exit strategy. By liquidating these assets through American Rarities, you can move “dead money” from a home safe into a managed account (AUM), benefiting both the client’s diversification and your firm’s management goals.
3. U.S. Paper Money: The Hidden Diversifier
U.S. Paper Currency is an often-misunderstood asset class. From Silver Certificates to rare National Bank Notes, vintage paper money can be highly illiquid without the right buyer. We specialize in the purchase of large-size and high-denomination notes, providing your clients with immediate liquidity for assets they may have assumed were only worth face value.
IRS-Compliant Appraisals for Estates, Trusts and Charitable Gifts
When coins or paper money are part of an estate, a trust or a gift, the value has to hold up to review. American Rarities provides IRS-compliant appraisals, typically within 24 to 48 hours, with home visits available.
Federal estate tax rules value property at its fair market value: “the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts” (Treas. Reg. §20.2031-1(b)). That is not always the same number as a dealer’s purchase offer, so it matters which one a document states.
| Situation | Valuation date | What the appraisal supports |
|---|---|---|
| Estate of a decedent | Date of death, or the alternate valuation date six months later if the executor elects it (IRC §2032) | The estate tax return (Form 706) and the heirs’ cost basis |
| Charitable gift of coins or currency | Date of the gift | Form 8283; a noncash gift claimed at more than $5,000 needs a qualified appraisal (see IRS Publication 561) |
| Trust funding or distribution | Date of transfer or distribution | A documented, even-handed division among beneficiaries |
| Sale after inheritance | Date of sale | Gain or loss against the inherited basis; gains on collectibles can be taxed at up to 28% (IRS Topic 409) |
Our numismatists authenticate with XRF metal analysis and digital microscopy, and we offer free in-house grading without slabbing, so coins do not need to go to a grading service before an estate is valued. Start with a coin collection appraisal, or send your CPA our page on IRS-compliant numismatic appraisals for CPAs.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. The estate’s CPA or attorney decides how values are reported.
Confidentiality and Chain of Custody for Fiduciaries
Executors, trustees and attorneys have to account for every item. We keep the process simple:
- We come to the collection. Home visits, or a meeting at your office, so valuables do not have to travel.
- Insured mail-in with no deductible. For smaller holdings, our insured mail-in service carries no deductible.
- No obligation to sell. The appraisal is free, and the estate or client decides later whether to accept an offer.
- Immediate payment. If the client sells, payment is immediate by check, wire or ACH.
- Free or discounted shipping on selected collections.
To start, text 720-600-4740 or use the form at the bottom of this page.
Liquidation Strategies: Private Sale vs. Managed Auction
We understand that as an advisor, you seek the best “net-to-client” result. We offer a transparent, dual-track liquidation process:
Strategy | Private Sale (Immediate) | Managed Auction Consignment |
Best For | Bullion, common gold/silver, and quick rebalancing. | High-value, certified “trophy” rarities. |
Execution | Immediate written offer and payment. | 3–6 month timeline for maximum exposure. |
Costs | No fees, no commissions. | Preferred “Professional Partner” rates. |
Liquidity | Funds available within 24–48 hours. | Funds available post-auction settlement. |
Through our affiliations with the world’s major numismatic auction houses, we can secure preferential consignment terms for your clients. We act as their professional advocate, ensuring their material is graded by PCGS or NGC and placed in the optimal auction venue to drive bidding competition.
Why Advisors Trust American Rarities
For 30 years, we have served as the nationwide standard for numismatic integrity. Our business is built on the themes of Trust, Expertise, and Convenience.
- E-E-A-T Certified: We are Life Members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and maintain an A+ Rating with the BBB.
- Global Market Intelligence: We stay current on “spot” prices and numismatic premiums, providing you with real-time data to share with your clients.
- Security & Confidentiality: Whether meeting in person at your office or using our fully insured mail-in service, we maintain the highest standards of privacy and active tracking.
The Secure 4-Step Advisor Process
- Initial Consultation: You or your client provides a basic inventory or photos. We provide a free, accurate initial appraisal and market outlook.
- Strategic Offer: We provide a formal, written offer to purchase. This creates a clear “exit price” for the client to consider.
- Secure Logistics: For larger collections, our expert buyers travel nationwide to meet with you and your client. For smaller holdings, our 100% no-risk Mail-In Service handles everything from insured shipping to tracking updates.
- Immediate Settlement: Payment is issued immediately upon receipt and verification. We can issue payment via company check, ACH, or wire transfer, allowing for a smooth transition of funds into the client’s investment account.
Who We Work With
| You are | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Wealth advisor or RIA | This page, plus our article for the wealth advisor |
| Estate planner or attorney | Numismatic appraisals and liquidation for estate planners and for the probate and estate lawyer |
| Bank trust or estate department | Numismatic liquidation for bank trust and estate departments |
| CPA | Numismatic appraisals for CPAs |
| Executor or family | Seven steps to understanding an inherited estate |
Frequently Asked Questions for Financial Advisors
How do you value gold and silver bullion?
We pay industry-leading rates based on the current “spot” price of the metal. Because we are a high-volume dealer, we can often beat the “buy-back” rates offered by local retail shops or online bullion giants.
Do you handle Rare Comic Books or other collectibles?
Yes. In addition to rare coins and paper money, American Rarities has a dedicated division for Comic Book Collections. This allows you to offer a “one-stop” solution for clients with diverse hobby-based assets.
Are there any hidden fees?
For private sales, there are no fees and no grading costs, and we offer free or discounted shipping on selected collections. The offer we provide is the net amount the client receives.
Quick Answers: Appraisals for Advisors and Fiduciaries
Is a dealer’s offer the same as an IRS appraisal?
No. An appraisal for tax purposes states fair market value, the price between a willing buyer and a willing seller who both know the relevant facts. A dealer’s offer is what that dealer will pay today. American Rarities provides IRS-compliant appraisals, and makes an offer only if the client wants to sell.
Can you appraise a collection at the client’s home?
Yes. We offer home visits, and IRS-compliant appraisals are typically completed within 24 to 48 hours. For smaller holdings there is an insured mail-in service with no deductible. If the client sells, payment is immediate by check, wire or ACH.
Do coins need to be slabbed before an estate is valued?
No. We provide free in-house grading without slabbing and authenticate with XRF metal analysis and digital microscopy. As a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer, we can tell you which coins, if any, are worth certifying before a sale.
Enhance Your Client’s Total Wealth Strategy
Don’t let your client’s physical assets remain an afterthought. By partnering with American Rarities, you provide a professional, transparent, and high-value service that reinforces your role as their most trusted advisor.
Let’s review your client’s collection today.
Note to Advisors: To get a preliminary valuation for a client, please email your inventory list or photos to staff@americanrarities.com or text us at 720-600-4740. We pride ourselves on timely, professional responses.
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Email: staff@americanrarities.com | Text: 720-600-4740