You want to know exactly? Appraisal of fossils, collections, estates
40
Years of market knowledge
Fossil expertise
My fixed price offer
Science
Identification (genus/species, if applicable); age or stratigraphic classification; place of discovery, references, if applicable.
Authenticity
Authentication. Size, photos; state of preservation, type of preparation, any special features.
Market value
Valuation.
Fossil expert's report: "What is a fossil worth?"
This was the title of an article in the magazine “Der Spiegel”, which gave the succinct answer: “A fossil is worth as much as you pay for it.”
The core of the statement is due to the fact that hardly any other market appears as opaque and mysterious to outsiders as the trade in fossils. While the value of minerals, such as diamonds, can be estimated or precisely assessed according to defined criteria, the same applies to fossils: each piece is unique.
This is exemplified by 4 ichthyosaurs from Holzmaden. At first glance, pieces comparable in size and quality are currently achieving very different sales prices: EUR 11,900, EUR 23,800, EUR 28,000 and EUR 45,400. Can you match the 4 prices to the 4 fish dinosaurs? This much can be revealed: The quality of the preparation varies, some of the pieces are natural in the matrix, some are remounted, and there is also a composite. The highest price was achieved at a renowned auction house, which reduces the proceeds by approx. 30%.
Anyone who carefully analyzes the market and its trends knows the decisive criteria for pricing. My knowledge of the market is based on over 30 years of observing the market at home and abroad with its trade fairs and auctions. This experience is supported by extensive archive material and special databases as well as a network of institutional and private experts from Germany and abroad.
Reason for the evaluation of fossils
I recommend an appraisal for individual items or collections with a value of EUR 5,000 or more.
The fossil appraisal with valuation forms a reliable basis for decision-making for e.g.
- Clarification of inheritance matters or division issues for estates
- Valuation in the event of damage (mercantile reduction in value, repair costs)
- reliable basis for the sale
- Consignment to auction, sale to dealer or collector
- Commissioning a preparation to increase value
- Updating of carrying amounts in company balance sheets
- Adjustment of your household contents insurance
On the subject of household contents insurance, the following recommendation from an insurer is an example:
“Your fossil collection falls under the normal compensation limits for valuables and would therefore be insured for a maximum of XX% of your sum insured (current tariff). An increase in your sum insured to XXX,000 € would be possible in principle. We recommend that you document your fossil collection precisely and provide evidence of it in the form of photos.”
Costs for a fossil expertise
The fee for a fossil appraisal depends on the number of objects and their marketability. From 250,- EUR you will already receive a well-founded valuation for a standard fossil. Assuming a value of EUR 5,000, this corresponds to 5%.
In order to avoid false incentives for a valuation above the market price, we are happy to waive a fee calculation based on a percentage of the result or value and instead make you a fixed price offer. In order to avoid conflicts of interest, we also generally refrain from making a purchase in the case of expert opinions. In the event of an assignment, you will usually receive the brief appraisal within 5 working days, in advance as a digital draft.
If you are interested in a fossil report, please contact me and send photos without obligation. If possible, please describe your item or collection. On this basis, you will receive a fee offer with a fixed price – without hidden costs, which you can check at your leisure. If you do not accept the offer, you will not incur any obligations.
Clients
Independent expert fossil appraisals from Fossiland meet the highest standards of objectivity and market conformity and are accepted by banks, insurance companies, auction houses and estate administrators.
Quality promise
As a member of the Association of Applied Paleontology Professionals (AAPS), Fossiland is subject to strict rules of conduct for the responsible handling of fossils. I assure you of serious handling and fair business practices for my fossil appraisals.
