Great discussion.

One area of the topic that still seems a bit unclear is how to determine
"fair market value" of a shell collection.  Since thresholds of value ($500,
$5,000, etc.) are important, is there a simple way to take this first step?

While internet auctions, lists, and mailed dealer lists will have offers for
some shells, there are many species that have not been recently offered for
sale.   How are these priced?  Yes, some species have dropped dramatically
in value - but other species found in old collections (e.g. found in areas
now protected or depleted) seem to be no longer available on the market.  Is
there a fair way to price these?

Tom Rice used to publish a guide to dealers prices asked for shells.  It had
many problems, but it was widely recognized among collectors and dealers as
a source of pricing information.  This is no longer being produced.  Does
anyone know if another individual or group is planning to publish a
replacement for "Rice's prices"?

If not, are there any other tools available for collectors and heirs who
want to do a "self-appraisal" of a shell collection?

Bill Fenzan
Norfolk, VA

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