Has silver really touched $85 an ounce? Older clients will remember when it was around $5. 00 an ounce. The 52 week low was around $28. This is not a recommendation to buy silver. It is a reminder your client might have (at least one) a set of sterling silver flatware (they never use) stored away. If something has value, it should be inventoried.
Let us look at six reasons it makes sense to inventory your collectibles.
1. Becoming a one percenter.
Everyone things of the wealthiest 1% in terms of annual income. This is measured by household assets too. To get into the top 1% in the US in 2025, it required household assets of about $11. 6 million to $13. 7 million. Your client can estimate their investment and real estate assets from memory. What about collectibles?
2. Blame Antiques Roadshow.
It’s been on PBS for 28 years. That is pretty popular. NCIS, often citied as TV’s most popular drama has run for 23 years. Aren’t you amazed when someone shows comic books they saved since the 1960’s and finds at least one is worth thousands? Items you saved because you think they have value might be worth more than you imagine.
3. You need proper insurance.
One day your water heater breaks. Not a big deal, but that cardboard box of comics gets soaked. You explain they are worth thousands. The insurance company replies? “Says who? ” You need both valuations along with enough insurance to cover your collections.
4. Proof of ownership.
Proper insurance coverage probably isn’t your first problem. Proving you own the stuff in the first place is another hurdle. If you told your insurance company water damage ruined your previously undiscovered Van Goth Impressionist masterpiece valued at $100 million, they would want to see convincing proof you were actually in possession of the item. You might claim those comics are ruined. You might carry enough insurance to cover the loss. How can you prove you owned them if they are gone?
5. Heads up to your executor.
What keeps wealthy people awake a night? Plenty of stuff. If they are a collector, one worry is their unknowing but well meaning executor might throw that comic collection into the dumpster. We knew a widow whose husband was an antique dealer. Before he died, he had everything valued and itemized. When she needed money, one item would be removed and sold. You need an itemized listing with photos of the valuable items in your collection.
6. They need cash They own silver.
Back to the news that silver has performed well in 2025. Your client on a fixed income might be feeling the squeeze. They need cash. You don’t want to sell income producing assets. If they sell the silver service they never use, it will bring in immediate cash. They can invest the proceeds to get more income. The could also use the cash as an emergency fund or pay down credit card debt. They could sell an asset they don’t need, to fund their immediate needs.
There are plenty of reasons why clients should pay attention to the value of their collections. These can be hard assets, a form of alternative assets. They are not merely knickknacks. Some are, but not all.
