Most collectors don’t realize their values are outdated until they need them.
A work that was appraised fifteen, ten, or even five years ago may no longer reflect the current market. Auction results, private sale activity, artist demand, condition changes, attribution updates, and broader collecting trends can all affect value over time.
This matters most when an appraisal is suddenly needed for insurance, estate planning, donation, divorce, damage, or loss. At that point, an outdated value can create unnecessary complications.
My observation: appraisals are often treated as one-time documents. However, for active collections, they should be reviewed periodically.
A good rule of thumb is every 3-5 years, or sooner if there has been a major market shift, new research, or a significant life event involving the collection.
