Currency Grading
Grading currency is a matter of opinion. This guide should help you to
estimate grade of a particular note that you may want to purchase or sell.
| GEM |
A perfectly preserved note with full embossing,
well centered and razor sharp corners. |
| UNC |
Uncirculated notes have never been mishandled,
corners are sharp without any evidence of rounding. |
| AU |
About Uncirculated notes have minor handling, a
bank counting fold at one corner or a very slight
fold through the center, but not both. Paper is
clean and corners are sharp. Cannot be creased, a
crease being a hard fold that breaks the surface of
the note. |
| XF |
Extremely Fine notes have light handling. There
can be 3 light folds or 1 strong crease. Paper is
clean and firm with sharp corners. |
| VF |
Very Fine notes have evidence of handling and
wear. May have several folds. Paper may be dirty or
smudged, but is still relatively crisp and not
floppy. |
| FF |
A Fine note shows circulation with many creases
and wrinkles. Paper is not excessively dirty but may
have some softness, there is no center hole from
folding. Maybe even a staple hole or two with tiny
nicks and tears on the edges. |
| VG |
Very Good notes are well used but still intact.
Tiny nicks and tears that extend into the design. |
| G |
A Good note probably has graffiti, stains, dirt,
holes, rips and tears. Rounded corners and not very
attractive. |
| Fair |
A Fair note is totally limp, heavily used and
worn. Large pieces may be torn or missing. Parts of
the note obscured by wear and dirt. |
| P |
A Poor note has severe damage, a rag that may be
taped together. Only used as a filler or when the
note is the only one known to exist. |
|
This guide is provided by the World Paper Money Mart
© 2009 www.WorldPaperMoneyMart.com
