HMRC-Compliant & RICS Standards
Accurate valuation of a deceased estate’s numismatic assets is a legal necessity for executors and solicitors. Avery Associates provides expert probate coin valuations across the UK, ensuring every collection—from ancient Roman currency to modern bullion—is assessed at its true Open Market Value.
How To Value Coins For Probate
Our written reports are prepared strictly in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, guaranteeing a 100% acceptance rate with HMRC and the District Valuer.
Professional Numismatic Expertise for Executors
Generalist valuers often overlook the nuances that dictate true market value. Our team of specialist numismatists and consultants possess in-depth knowledge of:
Historic British Money: Hammered gold, silver crowns, and early milled coinage.
Ancient & World Coins: Expert identification of Roman, Greek, and Byzantine rarities.
Banknotes & Paper Heritage: Comprehensive assessment of rare treasury notes and historical currency.
Our Scientific Valuation Process
We use a data-driven approach to ensure your IHT (Inheritance Tax) forms are accurate and defensible:
Auction Result Comparison: We utilise proprietary databases to track real-time global auction trends.
Professional Grading: Using the UK grading standard (Fine to Fleur-de-Coin), we determine how condition impacts the “hammer price”.
XRF Technology: We use X-Ray Fluorescence to accurately identify the precious metal content (Gold, Silver, Platinum) without damaging the coin.
Error & Variant Identification: Our experts spot “die-clashes” or minting errors that can increase an item’s value by thousands of pounds.
Probate Valuation: The Essential Facts
HMRC Statutory Standard: Valuations must reflect the price the property would fetch if sold in the open market at the date of death.
Avoid Overpaying Tax: Insurance valuations are often 2x higher than probate values. Using insurance figures can result in thousands of pounds of unnecessary tax.(bbc-law.co.uk)
The £1,500 Rule: Items or collections valued over £1,500 must be itemised individually on IHT400/IHT407 forms to avoid HMRC inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a probate coin valuation take?
Most written reports are delivered within 2 to 5 working days after the physical inspection.
Can I value the coins myself?
Executors can estimate values, but HMRC often challenges “layperson” figures. A professional report from Avery Associates provides a legal “safe harbour.
Do you value bullion coins?
Yes, we value Krugerrands, Sovereigns, and Britannias based on the specific London Fix price at the time of death.
Is the cost of valuation tax-deductible?
The cost of obtaining a valuation is an administration expense, but it is not deductible from the gross value of the estate for IHT purposes.
Evidence of Expertise: The “Avery Standard”
Unlike general auctioneers, Avery Associates provides independent valuations. We have no conflict of interest because we do not pressure you to sell. Our expertise is frequently cited by leading UK solicitors who require undisputed evidence for complex estates.
