The original question focused on assessing values for objects that go out on loan--the reason for valuation is to be able to replace the object if damaged. Are natural history specimins valued for loans--I know that they go through the mail because I see packages in our mail room;-). Idon't trust the various carriers enough to NOT have insurance. Thanksto all for their suggestions on finding artifact values...did anyone know of a publication(s) w/Western US and Latin American artifact values (for ranching, homelife, etc.) Sally B. Texas Memorial Museum