Appraisal Guides & Insights

How to Value a Sports Memorabilia Collection for Probate and Estate Tax

Executors settling an estate with cards, jerseys, or autographed items must decide whether to value them individually or as a group, since IRS aggregation rules can turn a shoebox of cards into a required formal appraisal. This guide covers date-of-death fair market value, the alternate valuation election, and exactly when a written appraisal is legally required for Form 706.