Helen Hall, AAA Certified Memorabilia Appraiser

The path to specialism

Helen Hall began her career working for an antiques dealer at the age of 16. An internship at Christie's followed, where she spent hours matching James Bond film props against the movies. That work established what would become her signature methodology: provenance verified by deep research, meticulous analysis and independent documentation.

She rose to Vice President and Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Christie's, working across the New York and London salerooms on the most significant single-owner sales in the category. In addition, Helen has a broad experience across fine art, decorative arts, and collectibles — a cross-category fluency that matters when an estate contains material spanning several specialist departments.

In 2008 she founded DIG Appraisals.

Helen Hall, AAA Certified Member and founder of DIG Appraisals

Credentials

Every formal appraisal that leaves DIG meets the standards required by the IRS and by USPAP. The credentials below are the basis for that.

Certified Member, AAA

The highest qualification offered by the Appraisers Association of America. Helen also serves on the AAA Board and on the Admissions and Education committees.

Why the AAA matters →

USPAP Compliant

Every DIG appraisal conforms to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, the federal benchmark for defensibility in court, IRS audit, and insurance dispute. Recertified on the standard cycle.

What USPAP requires →

IRS Qualified Appraiser

Meets the IRS definition of a Qualified Appraiser under 170(f)(11)(E)(ii). Required for any non-cash charitable contribution over $5,000 and for estate filings under IRC 2031.

Qualified Appraiser requirements →

25+ Years Auction House Experience

Former Vice President and Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Christie's (New York and London). Currently a Consultant to Christie's Iconic Collections auctions.

The DIG method

Every DIG appraisal is grounded in three things: verified comparables drawn from verifiable auction records, independent provenance checks against photographic and documentary evidence, and a written report that satisfies the highest applicable standard: IRS, AAA, USPAP. We do not rely on single-source COAs, dealer letters, or uncorroborated authentication services.

For high-value items, the DIG IQ scoring framework adds a documented breakdown across provenance, verification, market liquidity, and historical delta, giving the appraisal a defensible numerical scaffold under cross-examination.

Read the full methodology →

Helen Hall: Certified Member, AAA, USPAP Compliant, Qualified Appraiser as defined by the IRS