Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 5.7.22

Things are worth what they will sell for.

Tantum bona valent, quantum vendi possunt.

Source: 3 Inst. 305; Jackson Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The true value of goods is their market value — what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller, not any abstract or sentimental valuation.

Where this applies

  • I think my antique is worth $50,000 but no one will pay more than $5,000 for it.
  • The court needs to determine the value of my property — is it what I think it's worth or what the market says?

Legal domains

commercialproperty

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 5.7.22 — Things are worth what they will sell for. — 3 Inst. 305; Jackson (Tantum bona valent, quantum vendi possunt.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →