Create one inventory before seeking offers
Assign every item or group a reference number. Photograph the front, back, hallmarks, packaging and any paperwork. Record gross weight without removing stones or altering the item.
Keep recognized bullion, potentially collectible coins, branded jewellery and ordinary scrap in separate review lanes. Treating every item as scrap can destroy value that exists above melt.
Separate valuation purpose from sale price
Insurance replacement, estate reporting, fair market value and a dealer purchase offer answer different questions. The professional and evidence needed may differ for each purpose.
For a possible sale, request a calculation that separates recoverable gold, product or collector value, stones, testing assumptions and dealer economics. Avoid irreversible work until the category is understood.
Protect authority and chain of custody
Confirm who is legally authorized to act for the estate and keep written records of every transfer, test, offer, acceptance, return and payment. High-value collections should be handled under an insurance and custody plan appropriate to the risk.
Meridian will not accept estate property until its authority, custody and settlement procedures have been professionally reviewed and put into operation.
Sources & further reading.
Meridian guides are educational. They are not legal, tax or investment advice, and they do not create an offer to buy or sell gold or silver.