The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania probate, collectibles (including Pokémon cards) are generally valued at their fair value as of the decedent’s date of death and listed that way on the estate inventory. Because collectible values can swing widely and can be challenged by beneficiaries, it’s often wise to use credible valuation support (and sometimes a professional appraisal) rather than a guess.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

When an estate is opened, the personal representative (executor/administrator) must prepare and file an inventory of estate assets and assign values to the items reported. For collectibles, the key concept is the item’s fair value on the date of death—not what the decedent paid, not an insurance value, and not necessarily the highest online listing you can find.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3302.

This statute requires the personal representative to determine and state on the inventory the fair value of each item as of the date of the decedent’s death.

Relatedly, Pennsylvania law also requires the personal representative to file a verified inventory and sets timing rules for when it must be filed. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3301.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: The inventory has filing deadlines tied to the estate accounting and inheritance tax timeline, and a party in interest can demand an earlier filing. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c).
• Burden of Proof: If someone claims the cards were undervalued (or overvalued to shift shares), you may need to justify condition, authenticity, completeness, and the date-of-death market—especially for graded cards or high-dollar singles.
• Objections and Disputes: Beneficiaries and other interested parties can object to the inventory, which can turn a “simple valuation” into litigation leverage. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3305.

An attorney can help you choose defensible valuation support (including when a professional appraisal is worth the cost), reduce the risk of objections, and make sure the inventory aligns with the broader estate administration and tax posture.

If you’re dealing with estate inventory documentation generally, you may also find this helpful: What documentation do I need to support a valuation in Pennsylvania probate? And if there’s conflict over items removed from the home, see: Can I get back estate personal property that heirs removed?

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.