| Grading Standarts according to
"Standart Catalogue of World Paper Money" |
| UNCIRCULATED, (UNC) |
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 it's 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. Peper 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 apperance 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 pinholds are usually present, and the note itself is quite limp
but no pieces of the note are missing. A note is VG condition may
still have a overall unattractive apperance. |
| 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
apperance. 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. |
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