How to calculate cost basis for PMs awarded in a court judgement?

[pmbug]

I saw this quirky story:

Handsome Debonair Guy v. Family Dollar Store Owner

Complaint: I, Handsome Debonair Guy, was assaulted by Family Dollar Store employees. While I was shoplifting. They broke my ribs and gouged my throat with 2-inch fingernails. Now I'm suing for (a) $3.5 million, or (b) an out-of-court settlement for $350K and court fees and "(5) single bars of gold – 1 oz each," or (c) $1M cash and court fees.
...

and I got to wondering, if someone were awarded "(5) single bars of gold – 1 oz each" (or any quantity of gold or another asset like 5 shares of stock or whatever), how would one determine the proper cost basis for the award for capital gains calculations/taxes?

 

[Ttazzman]

Price at close of market on day of acquisitions.....that is a historical and researchable/verifiable number.....if a collectable ..ie above market value it would need a independent appraisal

 

[Lancers32]

What inheritance?