Estate Settlement & Appraisal Services

We offer appraisals for coin collections, fine jewelry, antiques, unique collectibles, fine art, gemstone, and so much more.

There is no way to prepare for the loss of a close friend or family member. In many instances with collectors, an inheritance can become a burden for the heirs as they struggle to value and liquidate holdings. Compounded by grief, executors and individuals alike dread selling heirlooms too cheap. It is often a struggle to fairly sell and distribute value across a group of heirs. Executors must be able to justify the methods and processes used to value collectibles. U.S. Coins and Jewelry provides a full line of Estate Services to help individuals, divorce lawyers and estate executors complete their duties in a fair and transparent fashion.

Estate Services

Written Appraisals – To fairly divide assets among heirs, it is not uncommon for probate courts to request written appraisals especially for coins, collectibles, jewelry and luxury watches. Our staff has fully trained experts in all these areas. We provide clear, concise and accurate appraisals across a wide range of valuables.

Authentication – When there is uncertainty as to the authenticity of collectibles and jewelry within an estate, our on-staff gemologist, horologists and numismatists can quickly determine validity of any precious metal, rare coin or gemstone. We only employ the most modern non-evasive testing techniques, so no damage from acid or scratch testing. Our staff is fully trained in handling your treasures with care.

Auction Representation – In the unlikely event we cannot come to agreement on terms or a will specifies the auction of particular items. Our connections within the auction arena can aide you in this endeavor. We literally buy and sell millions of dollars annually through the nation’s top auction houses. Our understanding of the watch, jewelry and collectibles markets and our deep familiarity with the various auction houses gives us the professional knowledge to help guide you to the perfect match of company, venue and timing. Not every item is perfect for every sale. With our representation we can insure each piece is sold in the appropriate sale garnering the most attention possible. In addition, our on-going relationship with these companies often enables us to provide consignors better rates than if they approached the auction houses directly.

Expert Testimony – For the unfortunate situations, like divorce or contested wills, values may be drawn into question. We are prepared to deliver expert testimony to address authenticity, pricing, markets or appraisals either in person or through online services for depositions and hearings. Our experts can deliver expert testimony across most legal situations that value or authenticity is in question.

Extrapolated Cost Estimates – One of our most common requests from estates is the establishment of backdated costs. Often collections of all types have poor records and vague cost basis needed for tax purposes. Our decades of market experience coupled with our in depth research capabilities enables us to provide accurate cost estimates for virtually any collectible across any time frame. When faced with the lack of purchase records, we produce professional and concise affidavits to serve as back up records for fair cost computations in lieu of the actual receipts. 

Liquidation – As a major player in most collectibles markets U.S. Coins and Jewelry can and will immediately purchase any of the estate items outright. While written appraisals are not offers to buy rather written estimates of replacement costs. We will provide firm offers to purchase any or all of the items at the time of appraisal upon request.

Home Visits – For some, coming to our offices is not an option, sometimes the owner is too frail to make the journey or the collection is too large to be carried. We are open to make appointment for qualified estates to have one or more of our experts visit the items location, doing the appraisal on-site. Contact our offices for more information. 

YOU CAN SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR HOME VISIT VIA EMAIL TO [email protected] OR CALL US AT 713-597-6367 AND TALK TO ONE OF OUR APPRAISERS DIRECTLY.

We’ve been servicing the Greater Houston area for decades. Walk-ins are always welcome, but for larger collections or specialized collectibles we ask you call ahead. We want to be sure the appropriate experts are in house and enough time is allotted to provide for a thorough review of your items. Regardless, after a quick free review of items you have, taking into consideration any special circumstances, we will make direct recommendation as to how to proceed. Our goal is to assist you and to get the best prices with the most transparency possible for all items presented.

Whether you are an individual with a few items or the executor of a large estate, we are prepared to offer a number of services to make the liquidation of holdings fast, fair, and transparent to all parties.  Contact our offices to find out how USC&J can facilitate the evaluation and sale of collectibles.