Detailed Answer — How to value collectible trading cards (Pokémon) for Alabama estate paperwork

Quick summary: When you prepare estate paperwork in Alabama, you must identify and list the decedent’s assets, estimate their fair market value (FMV) as of the date of death, and supply documentation supporting those values. For collectible cards that can be volatile in price, the best approach combines careful documentation, market research, and (for higher-value items) a written appraisal. This article explains step-by-step how to value Pokémon cards for probate and tax purposes in Alabama, what documentation to keep, and when to get professional help.

Alabama probate basics and why valuation matters

When someone dies, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must collect estate assets, prepare an inventory, and present values to the probate court. Alabama probate practice requires an inventory of estate assets and generally expects honest, supportable fair market values for items the estate controls. For the official Alabama probate statutes, see the Code of Alabama (Title 43 — Probate and Estates) at the Alabama Legislature website: Code of Alabama, Title 43 (Probate and Estates). (Consult an attorney or the local probate office for the exact inventory requirements where the estate is opened.)

What “fair market value” means for collectibles

Fair market value (FMV) is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller when neither is forced to act, both know the relevant facts, and the sale is on the open market. For Pokémon cards the FMV usually equals recent arm’s-length sale prices for the same card in comparable condition (same grade, same edition, same printing).

Step-by-step: Valuing a Pokémon card collection for Alabama estate paperwork

Create a complete inventory: List each card or group of identical cards. Record card name, set, printing (1st edition vs. unlimited), card number, condition, and any grading/company certificate (PSA, CGC, Beckett). If there are many low-value commons, you can group them (e.g., “200 commons, assorted sets, estimated $X total”).
Document condition and provenance: Photograph cards (front/back) with scale and date, and attach any receipts, auction records, or grading certificates. Graded cards (PSA/CGC/Beckett slabbed) generally have easier-to-prove values because the grade is independent evidence of condition.
Research comparable sales: Use recent completed sales from reliable marketplaces (eBay completed items, Heritage Auctions, PWCC, TCGplayer sales data) and grading-population reports. Note the sale date and final sale price for each comparable.
Use grading and pricing guides carefully: Price guides and “value charts” can inform an estimate but prioritize actual sale prices (what buyers paid). Adjust for grade differences, rarity, and market trends.
Decide when to get a professional appraisal: Hire a qualified, written appraiser for any card or collection where the value is substantial or where values are uncertain or contested. A written appraisal documents methodology, comparables, and FMV as of the date of death — important if the probate court or tax authorities question the valuation.
Prepare the estate inventory and include support: For each listed value include supporting documentation (photos, links or screenshots of comparables, grading certificates, and appraiser reports). Put the inventory in the format your Alabama probate court requires, and file it with the probate office when requested.

Tax and basis considerations (federal and Alabama)

Alabama currently does not have a separate state estate tax in the way some states do, but federal estate tax rules still apply when an estate’s total value exceeds federal thresholds. For federal income tax purposes, assets acquired from a decedent typically receive a step-up (or step-down) in basis to FMV at the date of death; that rule is found in federal tax law (26 U.S.C. § 1014). See the IRS for federal estate tax guidance: IRS — Estate Tax and the federal code at 26 U.S.C. § 1014. If the estate is large or you plan to sell high-value collectibles after probate, speak with an estate attorney or tax advisor about federal tax exposure and documentation you will need.

When a formal appraisal helps

If a single card or the whole collection could be worth thousands of dollars, get a written appraisal from someone experienced with trading cards.
If beneficiaries dispute values, a neutral appraiser reduces conflict.
If you plan to insure a collection for replacement value, use a formal appraisal tailored for insurance (which can differ from FMV).

Short hypothetical example

Hypothetical: The decedent left 75 graded PSA cards and 1,500 ungraded commons. For the graded cards, the personal representative documents each PSA slab and pulls recent completed-auction sales for the same card and grade. For the commons, the representative groups them into categories (e.g., 1st edition commons, uncommon) and uses average recent sale prices for comparable lots to estimate a group value. Because several graded cards exceed $5,000 each, the representative hires a written appraiser for those high-value items and files the inventory, photos, comparables, and appraiser reports with the probate court.

Helpful Hints

Start early — the market for collectibles changes fast. Collect evidence close to the date of death if possible.
Use multiple comparables — don’t rely on a single listing or “asking price.” Use completed sales, not active listings.
Keep originals of grading certificates and high-quality photos in the estate file.
For online evidence, save screenshots showing sale date, buyer-paid price, seller ID, and any seller feedback.
If cards are graded after death, note the grade date and whether grading occurred before or after the date of death; post-death grading may not reflect FMV at date of death.
Document any provenance (tournament winners, notable ownership) — provenance can raise value.
Speak with the local probate office or an Alabama estate attorney if you expect disputes, complex valuation fights, or potential estate tax filings.

Finding appraisers and experts: Look for appraisers with collectible-card experience, good references, and membership in recognized appraisal organizations. Verify that appraisals include a clear method and comparables and state the FMV date.

Final practical note: Even if a full professional appraisal is unnecessary for lower-value collections, keep a clear, documented inventory and contemporaneous market evidence. That record will protect the personal representative against later disputes and support tax reporting.