⭐ ANA · PCGS · NGC · CAC Authorized
Coin Appraisal Services in the Bay Area
ANA member and authorized PCGS, NGC, and CAC submitter with 14 years of experience serving the Bay Area.
Written appraisals accepted by estate attorneys, probate courts, insurers, and the IRS.
Not All Coin Same
Not All Coin Appraisals Are the Same
The type of appraisal you need depends on why you need it. An appraisal for probate court requires different documentation than one for insurance coverage. An IRS valuation follows different standards than a family settlement.
Mountain View US and Foreign Coins provides written appraisals for every scenario. Each one is accurate, documented, and accepted by the institutions that require it.
Appraisal Services
Estate and Probate Coin Appraisal
01
Estate and Probate Coin Appraisal
For executors and administrators managing a coin collection as part of an estate. Includes court-accepted written documentation for California probate filings.
02
Time of Death Coin Appraisal Establishes
The fair market value of a coin collection on the exact date the owner passed away. Required for IRS Form 706 and stepped-up basis calculations.
03
Inherited Coin Collection Appraisal
For heirs who have received a collection and need to understand what they have before making any decisions.
04
IRS Coin Appraisal Valuations
That meet IRS reporting requirements for estate tax filings, charitable donations, and cost basis documentation.
05
Estate Tax Appraisal Accurate
Fair market valuations for federal and California state estate tax purposes. Documented to meet IRS and legal standards.
06
Fair Market Value Appraisal
The standard valuation method used for tax filings, legal proceedings, and equitable distribution. Based on current market data and recognized grading standards.
07
Trust Distribution Appraisal
For coins held in a living trust that are being passed to beneficiaries. Ensures each heir receives an accurate, documented valuation.
08
Insurance Appraisal for Inherited
Coins Establishes the replacement value of an inherited collection for homeowner or collector insurance coverage.
09
Collection Inventory Appraisal
A full catalog and valuation of every coin in a collection. The starting point for executors, heirs, and estate attorneys who need a complete picture of what an estate contains.
10
Family Settlement Appraisal
When multiple heirs need to divide an inherited collection fairly. Provides an independent, documented valuation each party can rely on.
Appraisal Includes
What a Written Appraisal Includes
Every written appraisal from Mountain View US and Foreign Coins documents each coin individually. It includes the coin type, date, mint mark, grade, condition notes, and current fair market value based on verified market data.
Written appraisals are accepted by probate courts in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and San Francisco counties, estate attorneys, insurance companies, and the IRS.
You keep the written appraisal regardless of whether you choose to sell.
Credentials Matter
Why Credentials Matter
A coin appraisal is only as reliable as the person providing it. Mountain View US and Foreign Coins is a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and an authorized submitter to PCGS, NGC, and CAC. These credentials mean every valuation is grounded in recognized industry standards, not guesswork.
Over 14 years of buying and appraising coins across the Bay Area means the business has handled collections of every size and type, from single rare coins to full estate inventories.
Area's We Serve
Trusted by Bay Area Families from San Jose to San Francisco
Based in Mountain View, we serve families, executors, and attorneys across the entire Bay Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the size of the collection. A small collection (under 50 coins) can often be appraised in a single appointment of 1 to 2 hours. Larger collections with hundreds of coins may require multiple sessions. We will give you a time estimate after our initial review of what you have.
We provide complimentary evaluations for clients considering selling their collection. For formal written appraisals needed specifically for probate court filing, insurance documentation, or legal proceedings, fees are based on the size and complexity of the collection. Contact us for a quote based on your specific situation.
Not necessarily. If your goal is simply to sell, a formal written appraisal is not required. We can provide a free evaluation and make an offer directly. A formal appraisal is typically needed when the valuation will be used for legal, tax, or insurance purposes. Learn more about selling your inherited coin collection.
Yes. Under Probate Code Section 8904, coin collections qualify as specialized personal property that can be appraised by an independent expert instead of the court-appointed probate referee. This applies in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Francisco County, and all other counties. The executor makes this election by noting it on the Inventory and Appraisal form (DE-160) before delivering it to the probate referee.
A probate referee is a generalist appraiser appointed by the State Controller's Office. They appraise all types of estate assets, from real estate to stocks to personal property. An independent expert, like a professional numismatist, has specialized knowledge of coin grading, rarity, and market values. For a coin collection, an independent expert will typically provide a more accurate and detailed valuation. The Santa Clara County Superior Court recognizes coin collections as items that qualify for independent expert appraisal.
We typically schedule appointments within a few days. For urgent probate situations with court deadlines, we offer priority scheduling. Call (415) 952-6467 and let us know your timeline.
Yes. If you decide to sell after receiving the appraisal, we make a fair offer based on current market values. We buy all types of US and foreign coins, silverware, gold jewelry, and paper currency. There is never any obligation to sell.
We appraise all of it. Estate collections in the Bay Area frequently include sterling silverware (Gorham, Tiffany, Reed & Barton, Wallace), gold jewelry, and paper currency alongside coins. We evaluate everything in a single appointment so you do not need to coordinate with multiple specialists.
Absolutely. We regularly conduct appraisals at attorney offices, bank vaults, estate properties, and other secure locations throughout San Jose, the South Bay, and the wider Bay Area. We bring our equipment and handle everything on site.
Get Your Estate Collection Appraised
Whether you’re an heir, executor, attorney, or trust administrator in the Bay Area, we’re here to help you understand and document the value of a coin collection.
· Open 7 days a week · Evening appointments available ·