Getting A Mineral Collection Appraised

Reasons To Sell The Collection

I prefer to buy collections or single specimens outright if the collection is going to be sold. This is easier for both of us. I will offer what I think is a fair cash value, if we can agree on a price, I will travel to you, pack everything up, and take the entire collection away.

You will not have to spend the time, effort, and expense to have an appraisal done and then try to sell the collection piece by piece yourself. You will not have to pay to setup at mineral shows, spend the time to list items online, message with clients, wrap, and ship every individual piece on eBay.

This is truly the best option since all the pieces of the collection sell at once. You do not have to deal with the middle to low end specimens that may sit for months if not years no matter how low they are priced.

Reasons to Get the Collection Appraised

In some instances I do provide appraisal services. This would typically be for the purpose of insurance valuation and tax deductible donations to museums. The way the process works is outlined below. If you have further questions feel free to contact me through the website, I would be happy to talk with you.

How It Works

  1. Please contact me by emailing me at danzrockshop.com using the subject line “Appraisal Request”. Please let me know as much of the following information as possible.

    • Please send photos of the top 5-10 specimens in the collection.

    • Where the collection is located.

    • How many specimens are in the collection.

    • If they are labeled with species and locations.

    • If there is an existing spreadsheet of the specimens

    • Any focus of the collection on localities or species.

I will give you an estimate of the time required to evaluate the specimens. This could range from a few hours to a few days depending on the size of the collection. Please note that due to my schedule of mineral shows and what the contents of the collection are I do reserve the right to respectfully decline any appraisal requests.

Fee Structure

  • In state appraisal rate is $1000 per day. This includes travel time within a 2 hour driving radius from Denver. Additional travel time is billed at a rate of $100 per hour one way to the client. The client is not billed for return travel time.

  • Out of state appraisal rate is $1000 per day. Travel time to the client is billed at a rate of $100 per hour one way to the client. The client is not billed for return travel time. Out of state Travel expenses (flight, car rental, hotel, etc.) are charged at cost plus a 10% markup on expenses.

  • If collection cataloging is required please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Deliverables

  1. You will receive after my appraisal the following deliverables which satisfy IRS appraisal requirements.

    1. A brief summary of the collection, my appraisal methods, and the total valuation of the collection.

    2. Reference quality photographs of the specimens.

    3. A resume detailing my qualifications as an appraiser of mineral collections.

    4. My signed declaration on the applicable IRS 8283 form.