There’s no easy way to figure out how much your antiques and collectibles worth. Valuing an antique takes research and patience. Investigate the market before you try to sell. No one is expecting an accurate appraisal from you but a little research can go a long way.
Research comparable on Internet.
If you’re wondering how much something is worth, start by looking it up online. Search for your item on eBay or Google to find the price of similar things,
Look for online databases that offer pricing information for your item.
Kovels offers a free subscription to its pricing guide
Collect.com allows you to buy and sell antiques and collectibles
Coin Guide has a large database of antique and collectible coins and their values.
If you can’t find the exact piece you are looking for look for related pieces. It helps to know the market you will be selling your antique to.
Free valuation sites
InstAppraisal free site where you can submit your item and questions, and they will be answered by the community and the site’s antiques experts.
Country Living magazine has a free online appraisal program. You submit your image and information to expert Helaine Fendelman, who uses her 30 years of appraisal experience to give you an appraisal for the magazine and website if you’re selected
Use guide books
Search an online valuation site
Some dealers and appraisers have their own websites. Upload a picture of your item to a valuation website, where experts will estimate how much it worth.
There are many sites online where professional appraisers offer estimates on your items. Try sites such as
Metropolis Collectibles provides a comic book appraisal service
Certified appraisers
There are professional appraisers for almost every item. When seeking an appraiser, choose a professional who is certified by the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers.
Museums specializing in the type of antique you have are great help if you want to find the best auction houses, appraisers or the history of your piece.
Auction houses offer free appraisals with absolutely no charge. On the other hand auction houses do this because they expect you to sell your item through them.
PBS’s The Antique Roadshow is one such auction house which tours the USA. Their website also offers online appraisals
Dr. Lori’s Antique Appraisal Show Over 150 events throughout the country, Fox’s antique appraisal show is a great place to find out the value of your items.
Appraisals cost money but you are assured of a trained professional giving you the best advice on selling your antique. However, if you think that your item is worth less than the cost of the appraisal it might be wise to just sell your item on eBay.
Go to an antique store
Many antique stores also employ professional appraisers. Contact your local antique store to discuss appraisal options. Appraisers should still be certified by a national appraisal board.
Use the Internet and shop for antique stores in your area. Ask how they operate and how much they charge.
When you get your item appraised ask for both market value and insurance value. The market value is almost always lower than the actual market price. Your painting might be appraised at $10,000 for insurance claim but you will have to sell it for a lower price.
Collectibles dealer
If your item is a collectible (such as baseball cards, pokemon cards), search online for a collectible dealer to assist in pricing your item. Search for someone who is certified by a national appraisal board.
There are a number of ways you can go about selling your item. The thing to remember is that despite all your best efforts you probably won’t get top dollar for the item you will be selling.
We’ve only discussed the very bare fact of selling your item. You can research and research but the steepest learning curve is that of actual experience.