Sentimental value

Sentimental value is the personal significance an object holds through memories and emotions. Bokmålsordboka defines the Norwegian term affeksjonsverdi in this way, rather than through a fixed price. Sentimental and financial value therefore answer different questions: what an object means to someone and how it is assessed for a specific financial purpose.

A practical distinction in an estate

Example: A coffee cup may remind one family member of a grandmother without thereby becoming a rare collectible. This illustrates the distinction; it is not an assessment of a particular cup. Another relative may connect their memories with a different object.

A practical suggestion is to decide what the family wishes to retain before offering contents for sale. Record these wishes alongside an object inventory. Preserve the story and photographs even if the object is passed on. Do not turn personal feelings into an asserted market price.

If a financial assessment is needed

Clarify the purpose through estate contents valuation. For an object you genuinely intend to sell, request an OBA purchase offer. Such an offer does not determine what family memories should mean.

Terminology source: Bokmålsordboka: affeksjonsverdi.