3,525. Appraising the Value of Second Tithe

Hilchos Maaser Sheini and Neta Revai 4:20

One may not redeem second tithe by approximation. Rather, one must be exacting regarding its volume or weight and use the appropriate amount. If the second tithe’s value is known, he may redeem it in front of a single person; if its value is unknown, such as if wine started to turn, if produce spoiled, or if the redemption coins corroded, then he must redeem the second tithe based on the appraisal of three merchants. It is permissible even if one of the three isn’t Jewish or if he owns the second tithe. One may even redeem second tithe based on the appraisal of a man and his two wives. The owner must make the first bid; this is a way in which second tithe is more stringent that consecrated goods.

Hilchos Maaser Sheini and Neta Revai 4:21

One may not transport second tithe from one location to another in order to redeem it there. If someone transports produce from a place where it’s more expensive to a place where it’s less expensive, he redeems it based on its price in the place he redeems it. If the produce is doubtfully tithed (demai), he may redeem it at the lower price since he could sell it at that price.