Valuation Methodology

A defensible number, before any advance.

Every advance rests on a disciplined valuation. We tell you what a work is worth for collateral purposes, and how we arrived at it. The methodology is proprietary, aligned with international standards, and governed by review.

01 · The Standard

Standards-aligned, proprietary, governed.

Our approach is aligned with international appraisal standards (USPAP and RICS). The model itself is proprietary, developed for the specific question of how much liquidity a work can responsibly support. Every valuation is reviewed before it becomes an offer.

The goal is not the highest number. It is the right number: conservative enough that the arrangement remains sound, and transparent enough that you can see how it was reached.

02 · Six Factors

Six factors, weighted into one view.

Comparable sales

Auction and private-sale results for the artist and for comparable works.

Primary market

Current gallery pricing, demand and representation.

Career trajectory

Institutional presence, exhibition history and critical standing.

Condition and authenticity

Physical state and the reliability of attribution.

Provenance and exhibition

Documented ownership history and exhibition record.

Liquidity

How readily comparable works convert to a sale, and through which channels.

03 · Two Values

From market value to collateral value.

Fair Market Value (FMV)

The reference value of the work, established from the six factors. What the work would reasonably transact for between willing parties.

Collateral Value

FMV adjusted for liquidity and sale risk. This is the basis for your advance. ArtPawn advances 50% of appraised fair market value, a conservative position that protects both sides.

You receive a clear FMV, the basis for the adjustment, and a fixed advance. No moving parts after the offer.

04 · Governance

Reviewed before it reaches you.

No valuation becomes an offer without review. Atypical or disputed cases receive an independent second view, and an external appraisal can be commissioned where warranted. The same discipline applies to every work, so the number you receive is consistent, documented and defensible.

See what your work supports.

Submit a work for a confidential review and receive an initial view on eligibility, valuation range and indicative terms.

Submit a work  →