The quick answer
Start by separating the collection by category. A rare book, a vinyl pressing, a key comic issue, and an old postcard are valued with different evidence and different buyer expectations.
What to sort first
Group books by author and edition, records by artist and pressing details, comics by title and issue number, and paper by format, date, subject, issuer, and condition.
Condition and completeness
Dust jackets, bindings, inserts, posters, sleeves, signatures, centerfolds, stamps, cancellations, and missing pages can change the appraisal path. Photograph flaws clearly.
When the free screener helps
Use the free screener when you need to know which items deserve deeper review. It is especially useful for mixed boxes where only a few pieces may carry meaningful market interest.
When to get a written appraisal
A written appraisal is more appropriate for rare, signed, historically important, insured, donated, estate, or sale-ready collections.
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