⭐ Time of Death Coin

Time of Death Coin Appraisal in the Bay Area

Establishes the fair market value of a coin collection on the exact date the owner passed away. Required for IRS Form 706, stepped-up basis calculations, and California probate filings.

What a Time

What a Time of Death Appraisal Is

A time of death appraisal documents the fair market value of a coin collection on the specific date the owner died. The valuation is fixed to that date, not the date the family discovers the collection, not the date they contact an appraiser.

This date-specific valuation is what the IRS and probate courts require. Delaying the appraisal does not change the date it needs to reflect. Getting it done promptly protects the estate and the heirs.

Who Needs

Who Needs a Time of Death Appraisal

IRS Form 706 Filing

When an estate includes a coin collection valued above $3,000, a qualified written appraisal must be attached to Form 706 to establish fair market value as of the date of death. This applies even when no estate tax is ultimately owed, because the documentation must accompany the return.

Stepped-Up Basis for Heirs

When coins are inherited, the cost basis resets to the fair market value on the date of death under IRC Section 1014(a). This can significantly reduce the capital gains tax an heir pays if the collection is later sold. A documented appraisal is what establishes that new basis. Without it, the IRS can challenge the reported value.

California Probate Inventor

California probate courts require a documented inventory of estate assets at fair market value. A coin collection is personal property that must be itemized and valued as part of that filing.

Waiting

The Cost of Waiting

Estate tax due to the IRS falls nine months after the date of death. Getting the appraisal done early keeps the estate on schedule and gives the executor time to prepare accurate filings.

If an executor fails to file Form 706 when required, a beneficiary can end up with a zero basis in the inherited property until a final value is established. That creates a much larger tax burden when the coins are eventually sold.

A written appraisal from a qualified numismatist removes that risk.

Report Covers

What the Appraisal Report Covers

Each coin is documented individually. The written report includes:

The report meets IRS documentation standards and is accepted by estate attorneys, probate courts, and insurers across the Bay Area.

You keep the written report regardless of what you decide to do with the collection.

Other Appraisal Services

Other Appraisal Services for Inherited Coins

If you are managing an estate or inherited collection, you may also need:

Estate and Probate Coin Appraisal

For court-accepted documentation during probate proceedings

IRS Coin Appraisal

For full tax reporting requirements beyond Form 706.

Collection Inventory Appraisal

For a complete catalog and valuation of every coin in the estate.

Family Settlement Appraisal

When multiple heirs need an independent valuation to divide the collection fairly.

Not sure which appraisal type you need?

Area's We Serve

Serving the Bay Area

Time of death appraisals are available across Mountain View

San Jose, CA San Francisco, CA Fremont, CA Los Gatos, CA Saratoga, CA Oakland, CA Los Altos Hills, CA Mountain View, CA Willow Glen Almaden Valley Evergreen South San Jose Downtown San Jose

In-person appointments at your home, your attorney’s office, or our Mountain View location.

Get the Appraisal Started

The sooner the valuation is documented, the cleaner the estate filing. Contact Mountain View US and Foreign Coins to start the process.