A basic guide on
how to grade paper currency!
The
condition of a note is critical to its value and enjoyment as a collector. Thus,
accurate & proper grading of every piece in your collection is extremely
important. Here is a general guideline (or outline) to help you get started!!!
CRISP or CHOICE UNCIRCULATED, (UNC or CU)
This means absolutely not the slightest sign of any handling or wear or folding
or *anything*. A perfectly preserved note, never mishandled by the issuing
authority, a bank teller, the public or a collector. The paper should be clean
and firm, without discoloration. Corners are sharp and square, without any
evidence of rounding. The note should also have its natural sheen.
ALMOST or ABOUT UNCIRCULATED, (AU)
This means there is a slightly detectable imperfection such as a counting fold
on one corner or slightest fold in the center (nothing which breaks the surface
of the paper). May show evidence of bank counting folds at a corner or one light
fold through the center, but not both. Paper is clean and bright with the
original sheen. Corners are not rounded.
EXTREMELY FINE, (EF or XF)
Very attractive note, with light handling. May have a maximum of three light
folds or one strong crease. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen.
Corners may show only the slightest evidence of rounding. There may also be the
slightest sign of wear where a fold meets the edge.
VERY FINE, (VF)
Very attractive note, but with more evidance of handling and wear. May have a
number of folds both vertically and horizontally. Paper may have minimal dirt,
or possible color smudging. Paper itself is relatively crisp and not floppy.
There are no tears into the border area, although the edges do show slight wear.
Corners also show wear but not full rounding.
FINE, (F)
A note which shows considerable circulation, with many folds, creases and
wrinkling. Paper is not excessively dirty but may have some softness. Edges may
show much handling, with minor tears in the border area. Tears may not extend
into the design. There will be no center hole because of excessive folding.
Colors are clear but not very bright. A staple hole or two would not be
considered unusual wear in a Fine note. Overall appearance is still on the
desirable side.
VERY GOOD, (VG)
A well-used note, abused but still intact. Corners may have much wear and
rounding, tiny nicks, tears may extend into the design, some discoloration may
be present, staining may have occurred, and a small hole may be seen at center
from excessive folding. Staple and pinholes are usually present, and the note
itself is quite limp but no pieces of the note are missing. A note in VG
condition may still have an overall attractive appearance.
GOOD, (G)
A well-worn and heavily-used note. Normal damage from prolonged circulation will
include strong multiple folds and creases, stains, pinholes and/or staple holes,
dirt, discoloration, edge tears, center hole, rounded corners and an overall
unattractive appearance. No large pieces of the note may be missing. Graffiti is
commonly seen on notes in G condition.
FAIR, (F)
A totally limp, dirty, and very well-used note. Large pieces may be half torn
off or missing besides the defects mentioned under the Good category. Tears will
be larger, obscured portions of the note will be bigger.
POOR, (P)
A "rag" with severe damage because of wear, staining, pieces missing,
graffiti, larger holes. May have tape holding pieces of the note together.
Trimming may have taken place to remove rough/edges.
Author
– Rich Gregory