The (Antiques) Doctor is In
Appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame on fame, finds, and forecasting the next hot collectibles.
When rare antiques are discovered on television shows like The Curse of Oak Island, Pawn Stars Do America, Auction Kings, or King of Collectibles, producers often rely on the expertise of Dr. Lori Verderame for on-screen appraising.
Known as Dr. Lori (www.DrLoriV.com), the award-winning PhD-trained antiques specialist is no stranger to the spotlight. She has lent her knowledge to almost every form of media: from appearances on reality and news shows to one of her 30 books to her internationally syndicated column. She also finds time to host in-person courses and to give one-on-one appraisals, during which customers can purchase in-home visits or video calls. On average, she reviews over 20,000 objects a year.
Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Lori found the time to speak with Kovels Antique Trader about her start in appraising, her role as an antiques media personality, and what’s hot for collecting in 2026.
Kovels Antique Trader (KAT): What sparked your interest in antiques and in becoming an appraiser?
Dr. Lori (DL):
As a young child, I was very inquisitive. On weekends, I would tag along with my Dad to flea markets and yard sales and ask numerous questions about all the old things I saw. These outings sparked my interest in history and antiques.
I grew up near Yale University, and Yale’s museums were free to the public. As a child, I enjoyed looking at paintings and sculptures in museums and even played games relating to art, like Masterpiece: The Art Auction board game.
After college, I worked on my master’s degree in art history and had a job in the education department at the Yale Art Gallery. This job started me on a career path that included museum curator and museum director posts, university teaching positions, and, of course, my role as a professional appraiser.
KAT: How did you get involved with television appraising?
DL: TV producers approached me after discovering my DrLoriV.com website. They asked me to share my expertise about vintage and antique objects on various TV shows, as diverse as the History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island to Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
KAT: How has the appraisal industry changed since you began?
DL: The appraisal industry has changed as more people think a simple Google search will reveal an accurate appraisal. On the other hand, the appraisal industry has stayed the same, as people still think something must be signed or related to a famous person to be valuable.
KAT: What are some common mistakes people make when evaluating their own items?
DL: The most common mistake that people make when evaluating their own items is thinking that they don’t need a professional appraisal by an expert with certain academic credentials and experience.
Another mistake is people thinking that their object can’t possibly be valuable just because they own it. Some of the most important and valuable objects I’ve appraised have been hiding in plain sight, completely overlooked, and living in very modest homes. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that something you own isn’t valuable just because it’s yours.
KAT: In terms of antiques, do different ages/generations want different items?
DL: On my YouTube channel, I teach people to recognize quality in art, antiques, and collectibles. Quality is recognizable and transcends age.
KAT: Are there any antiques that everyone loves?
DL: Objects spark emotions, and everyone loves what’s special to them…family heirlooms are top on most people’s list. Personally, I have a music box that belonged to my late mother that still smells like her perfume. That piece is not particularly valuable in terms of money, but it is very meaningful to me. The objects that tell a story are the most desirable, and oftentimes the most monetarily valuable, too.
KAT: If you could appraise and/or handle any historical artifact in the world, what would it be and why?
DL: In my career as a Ph.D. appraiser, I have been lucky enough to appraise and hold George Washington’s wallet, Thomas Jefferson’s writing desk, a School of Leonardo Da Vinci painting, a $2 million Renoir painting that was purchased at an auction for $275, a moon boot from Apollo 13, and a mascara jar from 80 B.C. to name a few… so I’ve held “history” in my hands through such objects.
KAT: With the upcoming 250th Semiquincentennial in the United States, do you think American-related antiques or objects from the Revolutionary Era will increase in value?
DL: For years, I’ve been saying that late-18th-century American objects will be hot in 2026. Just as I predicted, mid-century modern pieces would be hot in the 1990s and 2000s; I have advised people that the next hot collectible will be Colonial and Revolutionary American objects in 2026. Unlike others, my education and experience allow me to understand history and recognize upcoming trends.
KAT: Are there any projects or areas of research you’re excited about right now?
DL: I’m excited about continuing my work, sharing information with fans on my YouTube channel, and combating the misinformation that is evident in the field as a result of research mistakes and sometimes the misuse of AI. This year, I enjoyed my role with the new film Lost & Found in Cleveland, which highlighted appraisers and the objects people bring to them—something I’ve done for years.
I will continue my national tour presenting Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show, and I look to expand my television work with the History Channel, Netflix, CBS, and others. I am in development talks with producers about a new show featuring me and my life as an award-winning and very happy appraiser. I am fortunate to meet fascinating people and review their heirlooms, collections, and listen to the stories that go along with each of them.
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