Paragon Numismatics provides accurate, professional appraisals for banks, law firms, and collectors. With nearly twenty-five year's experience in rare coins, we are well versed in all areas United States and world numismatics. Why People Require Appraisals Probate and Estate Law Coins are routinely included in old-time estates. In order to accurately determine estate taxes, a comprehensive appraisal is needed to assess the value of a collection. Dividing a Collection If members of a family wish to equitably divide a collection, specific pricing information is mandatory. Bear in mind that equitably dividing a collection remains difficult, but if the collection must be divided then you need an accurate list of the coins' values. Estate Planning Responsibly planning your estate requires a blueprint for handling your collection if you become ill or pass away. Imagine if your spouse or children inherit old coins and have no idea of their value. Can you accurately predict their actions in a crisis situation? Avoid this unpleasant scenario ahead of time by including a detailed coin appraisal with your Will. This offers peace of mind and avoids a "Fire Sale". Capital Gains or Losses If you plan to sell your coins, then it is imperative to know how much you owe (or may deduct) on your taxes. If you own rare coins that have appreciated in value, then you are subject to capital gains taxes. If your coins have dropped in value, then you may receive credit for a capital loss. Please speak with your professional tax advisor for details. Either way, you need the opinion of an unbiased third-party to substantiate your claims. Forgotten Safe Deposit Boxes Many banks sooner or later discover safe deposit boxes of unknown (or untraceable) origin. Drilling open the box often reveals varying amounts of old coins. Establish the coins' value by hiring a competent professional numismatist to conduct a thorough inventory and appraisal. Curiosity If you own old coins, you might want to find out what they are worth. It's that simple! Curiosity never killed a numismatic cat. Paragon Numismatics charges $125 per hour for on-site written appraisals. This includes a detailed follow-up summary of the collection, a complete list of grades, and precise values for all items. We also charge for travel time if the appraisal is conducted outside Southeastern Wisconsin.