When you’re dealing with something as personal and potentially valuable as a coin or stamp collection, getting an accurate and trustworthy appraisal is essential. Whether you’re settling an estate, planning a donation, or just want to know what your collection is worth, the appraisal needs to be done right. And that means it should follow a nationally recognized set of standards—specifically, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP.
At Centennial Auctions, we specialize in coins and stamps, and we’ve provided USPAP-compliant appraisals to families, estate attorneys, banks, and institutions across New England for over 30 years. But we often get asked: “What exactly does ‘USPAP-compliant’ mean?” and “Why is it important?”
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is a USPAP-Compliant Appraisal?
USPAP (pronounced “YOU-spap”) is a set of ethical and performance standards for professional appraisers in the United States. It was developed by The Appraisal Foundation, which is authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and qualifications.
A USPAP-compliant appraisal isn’t just someone giving you their best guess or a verbal opinion. It’s a thoroughly researched, well-documented, and impartial report that follows strict professional guidelines. It’s designed to be legally defensible and accepted by courts, the IRS, banks, and other financial institutions.
In short, if you want an appraisal that’s going to hold up under scrutiny, it needs to be USPAP-compliant.
Why USPAP Matters—Beyond Just a Piece of Paper
1. It’s About More Than Just Value—It’s About Trust
Let’s say you’ve inherited your grandfather’s coin collection. You know it’s valuable, but you have no idea how much it’s worth or what to do with it. You could take it to a local dealer, but how do you know they’re giving you an unbiased number?
A USPAP-compliant appraiser doesn’t have a stake in buying or selling your collection. Their job is to give you a fair, independent valuation—with no hidden agenda. That objectivity is part of what makes these appraisals so valuable.
2. It’s Legally Recognized
If you’re working with an attorney to settle an estate or filing a charitable donation with the IRS, a casual estimate won’t cut it. In those situations, you’ll need a written, USPAP-compliant report that includes documentation of how the value was determined.
Courts, trust departments, tax professionals, and estate planners all understand what USPAP means. When they see that an appraisal follows these standards, they know it was done professionally—and they’re more likely to accept it without question.
3. It Protects You Financially
Imagine this: you donate a valuable stamp collection to a museum and claim a charitable tax deduction. But later, the IRS audits your return and asks to see your appraisal. If it’s not USPAP-compliant, they may reject the deduction. That could cost you thousands of dollars.
Or maybe you’re splitting up assets in a divorce or among siblings in an estate. A professional, compliant appraisal can prevent disputes, keep emotions in check, and provide a reliable basis for fair division.
What a USPAP-Compliant Appraisal Includes
A proper USPAP appraisal includes much more than a simple dollar figure. At Centennial Auctions, our reports typically include:
- A detailed description of each item
- Notes on condition, rarity, and provenance
- Photographs
- The market context and valuation method used
- The appraiser’s qualifications and certification
- A clear definition of the purpose and intended use of the appraisal (e.g., estate, insurance, sale)
All this information is laid out in a way that meets USPAP standards, so there’s no ambiguity.
Who Needs a USPAP-Compliant Appraisal?
Not everyone needs a formal appraisal—but when you do, it’s important to get one that’s done the right way.
You may need one if you’re:
- Administering an estate that includes a coin or stamp collection
- Filing taxes on a donation of collectibles
- Going through a divorce and dividing assets
- Purchasing insurance to protect a high-value collection
- Considering selling and want to set a realistic asking price
- Dealing with legal proceedings that require verified valuations
Even if you’re not planning to sell or donate right away, having a proper valuation on file can give you peace of mind—and help your family down the road.
Why Choose Centennial Auctions?
We’ve been trusted by collectors and professionals across New England for over three decades. Our team specializes in coins and stamps, and we understand the nuances of these markets better than most general appraisers. We don’t just throw out a number—we dig into the history, market trends, condition, and rarity of each item to ensure our valuations are as accurate as possible.
And yes, all our formal appraisals are USPAP-compliant.
We work with:
- Estate and probate attorneys
- Trust officers and bank representatives
- Private collectors and families
- Nonprofit organizations and museums
We’ve seen everything from small family collections to rare, one-of-a-kind items worth thousands. No matter the size or scope, we treat each appraisal with the care and professionalism it deserves.
When you’re dealing with something as valuable—financially and sentimentally—as a coin or stamp collection, don’t settle for a vague estimate or handshake deal. A USPAP-compliant appraisal gives you the confidence and credibility you need to make informed decisions, protect your interests, and meet legal or financial requirements.
Get in touch with our team today at 603-356-5765 to schedule an appraisal or learn more about how the process works. Whether you need it for an estate, a donation, or simply your own peace of mind, we’ll make sure you get the information you need—done the right way.