Executors need a written valuation of estate watches, jewellery, coins, silver, and other valuables for inheritance tax reporting. We provide a per-item written schedule suitable for HMRC — free of charge, whether or not you sell. No obligation, no pressure, no fee.
We provide written probate valuations for all of the following personal property categories:
| Category | Examples | Documentation provided |
|---|---|---|
| Watches | Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Tag Heuer, pocket watches, vintage | Per-watch written schedule |
| Jewellery | Gold, diamond, silver, antique, period, costume (if significant) | Per-piece written schedule |
| Gold & bullion | Sovereigns, Krugerrands, bars, scrap gold | Per-item with weight and carat |
| Silver | Sterling, hallmarked, flatware, tea services, candlesticks | Per-item or per-lot schedule |
| Coins | British, world, gold, silver, collections, albums | Per-coin for key pieces, per-lot for bulk |
| Collectibles | Military medals, stamps, cameras, vintage items | Per-item written schedule |
| Mixed estates | Combined watches + jewellery + coins + silver | Comprehensive per-item schedule |
Important: The probate valuation must reflect open market value at the date of death — not sentimental value, not replacement cost, not insurance value. Using an inflated figure increases the inheritance tax liability unnecessarily. Using a figure that is too low can trigger an HMRC enquiry. Our valuations are based on current completed sales of comparable items.
Executors have a legal duty to establish the value of estate assets accurately. Undervaluing assets to reduce IHT can constitute fraud. Overvaluing them increases the tax liability unnecessarily and harms the beneficiaries. The executor also has a duty to achieve a reasonable price if assets are sold — selling significantly below market value without proper justification can expose the executor to claims from beneficiaries.
A professional written valuation protects the executor by providing documented evidence that the values reported to HMRC were properly assessed. If HMRC queries any figure, the written schedule provides the basis for your response.
Tell us what you have. We send a free insured postage label by email.
Pack carefully, photograph before posting. Fully insured in transit.
We send a written valuation explaining every factor and comparable sales.
Accept and receive payment in 72 hours, or decline for a free insured return.
Written per-item schedule suitable for HMRC. Watches, jewellery, coins, silver, and collectibles. Free of charge whether or not you sell. No obligation.
Request a free probate valuation →What is a probate valuation?
A probate valuation is a written assessment of the open market value of personal property as at the date of death. It is used to calculate the taxable value of the estate for HMRC inheritance tax purposes. The valuation must be professional, in writing, and based on what the item would realistically achieve on the open market at the date of death — not replacement cost or sentimental value.
Do I need a probate valuation for HMRC?
Yes, if the estate exceeds the inheritance tax threshold (currently £325,000, or £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band), HMRC requires a written valuation of all personal property including watches, jewellery, coins, silver, and other valuables. Even if the estate is below the threshold, a written valuation protects the executor and provides documentation for beneficiaries.
Can I get a probate valuation before probate is granted?
Yes, and you should. The valuation is needed to complete the IHT400 inheritance tax form, which is submitted before probate is granted. You do not need a grant of probate to have items assessed — as executor, you may take possession of personal property for the purpose of inventorying and valuing the estate.
What is the difference between a probate valuation and an insurance valuation?
A probate valuation reflects open market value — what the item would realistically sell for. An insurance valuation reflects replacement cost — what it would cost to replace the item new. Insurance valuations are typically 2–3 times higher than probate valuations. Using an insurance valuation for probate would overstate the estate value and increase the inheritance tax liability.
Do you charge for probate valuations?
No. We provide probate valuations free of charge as part of our assessment process. You receive a written per-item schedule regardless of whether you proceed with a sale. If you sell items to us, there is no separate valuation fee. If you decline, the items are returned at our expense and you keep the written schedule.
Also see: Probate watch valuation · Estate jewellery valuation · Sell probate collection · Probate valuation guide · Estate clearance valuation