Navigating the World of Antiques Appraisers: Finding Value in Your Treasures

Professional antique appraisals typically start at $250 to $350 for a single item formal appraisal with a written report. Additional items usually add incremental costs between $25 and $100 per item.
Many appraisers also charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $300 per hour for larger collections or estate appraisals. Online appraisal services tend to be less expensive, with prices starting around $28 per item.
The final cost depends on several factors:

The appraiser’s expertise and credentials
The complexity and rarity of the items
The purpose and detail level required for the appraisal
Whether the appraisal is conducted in-person or virtually
Any travel expenses if the appraiser must come to your location

It’s important to note that free "appraisals" offered by dealers or at antique shows are typically informal opinions rather than comprehensive professional appraisals.

A qualified professional antiques appraiser should have:


Formal credentials from recognized organizations such as:

International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
Appraisers Association of America (AAA)



USPAP compliance (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), which indicates adherence to industry-standard ethical and methodological guidelines.


Relevant expertise in the specific type of items being appraised. For specialized items, look for an appraiser with demonstrated knowledge in that particular category.


Continuing education to stay current with market trends and valuation methodologies.


Professional liability insurance (errors and omissions insurance) to protect both themselves and their clients.


Years of experience working with similar items to those being appraised.


No conflicts of interest, such as also being a dealer who might want to purchase items they’re appraising.


Always verify credentials and ask for references before hiring an appraiser for valuable items.

To get your antique valued, you have several options depending on your needs and budget:
For formal, documented valuations:

Hire a certified professional appraiser through organizations like ISA, ASA, or AAA
Submit photos and information to online appraisal services like ValueMyStuff
Contact auction houses that specialize in similar items for auction estimates

For informal opinions or preliminary research:

Visit local antique dealers for opinions (recognizing potential conflicts of interest)
Research comparable sales on sites like WorthPoint, LiveAuctioneers, or eBay
Attend antique appraisal events or shows where appraisers offer quick assessments
Post clear images on collector forums or specialized social media groups
Consult price guides and auction records for similar items

The best approach depends on your purpose:

For insurance, estate planning, or tax purposes, only a formal written appraisal from a certified appraiser will suffice
For general curiosity or considering a potential sale, informal methods may be adequate

Whichever method you choose, prepare by gathering any documentation, history, or provenance information about the item, as these details can significantly impact its value.

Antique appraisals on TV shows like Antiques Roadshow are generally conducted by qualified experts and provide reasonably accurate valuations within the constraints of the format, but they have several important limitations:
Strengths of TV appraisals:

They’re performed by knowledgeable experts, often from major auction houses or with specialized expertise
The appraisers typically have extensive experience with similar items
Many TV appraisers are formally credentialed professionals

Limitations to consider:

TV appraisals are extremely brief compared to proper professional appraisals
The examination is limited and rarely includes technical analysis
Values given are usually auction estimates rather than insurance or fair market values
The dramatic appeal of television may emphasize exceptional items or unusual values
Market conditions change, making televised valuations quickly outdated
Appraisers have limited time to research comparable sales

While entertaining and educational, TV appraisals should be viewed as informed opinions rather than definitive valuations. For important financial, insurance, or legal decisions, a formal written appraisal from a certified appraiser who can thoroughly examine the item remains essential.

Yes, there are several ways to get free antique appraisals or value assessments, though these typically have limitations compared to paid professional appraisals:
Free in-person options:

Antique shows and fairs often feature appraisers offering quick verbal assessments
Some museums host "appraisal day" events where experts volunteer their time
Antique dealers may provide free opinions (though they may have an interest in purchasing)
Local historical societies occasionally sponsor community appraisal events

Free online options:

Reddit communities like r/whatsthisworth where collectors share opinions
Facebook groups dedicated to specific types of antiques
Some online appraisers offer limited free assessments to attract potential clients

Important limitations to consider:

Free appraisals are typically verbal rather than written
They lack the comprehensive research of paid professional appraisals
They’re generally not acceptable for insurance, tax, or legal purposes
The quality and accuracy can vary widely depending on the source
They may not include detailed condition analysis or authentication

Free appraisals are best used for initial screening to determine whether an item merits the investment in a formal, paid appraisal. For valuable items or those needing documentation for financial or legal purposes, a professional written appraisal remains necessary.

Online antique appraisal services vary considerably in accuracy, depending on several factors:
Factors affecting accuracy:


Qualifications of the appraisers - Services using certified professionals (like ValueMyStuff’s former Sotheby’s and Christie’s experts) tend to provide more reliable valuations


Quality of submitted images - Poor or limited photographs significantly reduce accuracy


Completeness of information provided - Missing details about condition, markings, or measurements lead to less precise valuations


Item category - Some items are more difficult to appraise remotely than others:

Furniture and large objects are challenging to assess without in-person inspection
Jewelry and gemstones often require physical testing for accurate valuation
Paintings may need in-person examination to verify authenticity



Level of service - Premium services with higher fees generally provide more thorough research and detailed reports


Typical accuracy range:

For common items with good documentation: Reasonably accurate (within 10-20% of in-person appraisal)
For rare or unusual items: Less reliable (may vary by 30% or more from in-person assessment)
For potentially high-value items: Online appraisals should be considered preliminary

Online appraisals are most useful for:

Initial assessments to determine if an in-person appraisal is warranted
Relatively common items with well-documented market values
Situations where geographic location makes in-person appraisal difficult

For valuable items, items needing authentication, or appraisals for legal or insurance purposes, an in-person examination by a qualified appraiser remains the gold standard.

The primary differences between antique dealers and antique appraisers involve their business models, objectivity, and professional focus:
Antique Dealer:

Business model: Buys and sells antiques for profit
Primary goal: To purchase items at lower prices and sell at higher prices
Potential conflict: May have financial interest in valuing items differently based on whether they’re buying or selling
Specialization: Often focused on specific categories they trade in
Credentials: May not have formal valuation credentials
Documentation: Typically provides receipts or certificates of authenticity, not formal appraisals
Perspective: Market-focused with emphasis on what will sell in their specific market

Antique Appraiser:

Business model: Charges fees for valuation services, not for buying/selling items
Primary goal: To provide accurate, unbiased valuations
Objectivity: Should have no financial interest in the items being appraised
Specialization: May be generalists or specialists with formal training
Credentials: Often hold certifications from professional organizations (ISA, ASA, AAA)
Documentation: Provides formal written appraisal reports
Perspective: Takes broader market view and adjusts for specific appraisal purposes

While some professionals do both, ethical practice requires clear separation between these roles. When someone acts as both dealer and appraiser for the same transaction, it creates an inherent conflict of interest that can compromise the objectivity of the valuation.
For important financial decisions, insurance coverage, tax purposes, or legal matters, it’s best to work with a certified appraiser who doesn’t also deal in the type of items being appraised.

The frequency of reappraisals for antiques depends on several factors:
For insurance purposes:

Valuable items should be reappraised every 3-5 years
More frequent reappraisal (every 2-3 years) for categories experiencing rapid market changes
Many insurance companies recommend updates at least every five years

After significant market events:

Major economic shifts affecting luxury markets
Substantial changes in collector interest for specific categories
Notable auction results for similar items
Deaths of artists or makers (which often increases value)

Following physical changes:

After restoration or conservation work
If damage has occurred
When components have been replaced or altered

For estate planning:

Every 5-7 years for general updates
Before major estate planning decisions
When transferring ownership to heirs or trusts

Other timing considerations:

Before selling or donating items
When dividing assets in divorce or estate settlements
When insuring items for the first time
Before moving or shipping valuable pieces

Remember that some categories of antiques experience more volatile markets than others. Fine art, rare coins, and celebrity memorabilia often see faster value changes than furniture or decorative objects.
If you’re uncertain, consult with your insurance provider about their specific requirements for keeping coverage current.