Grading of paper money is most important when collecting, small differences in grades can mean huge differences in value.

First we have Gem Uncirculated (GEM) Paper notes with this grade must be flawless, just like when they were printed, the notes must be crisp and fresh with nice bright colors, the note must be perfectly centered, with full margins and free of any marks, traces of handling and blemishes.

Next is Choice Uncirculated (Ch. CU) Paper notes that are uncirculated, they are brighter and fresher than normal for it's issue, and it must be reasonably well centered.

Then there is Crisp Uncirculated (CU) Again this note must not show any circulation and be perfectly preserved, the paper must be clean and firm, without any discoloration, the corners must be sharp and square, without any evidence of rounding, ( Rounded corners is a good way to tell that the paper note has been cleaned ).

Next is About Uncirculated (AU) A near perfect note that may have had some minor handling, like a bank teller may have while counting the note put a light fold in the center, or a corner fold, (But not both), An AU note cannot be creased, (a crease being a hard fold that has broken the surface). The paper note is clean and bright with it's original sheen, and no rounding of the corners.

Then there is the Extremely Fine (XF) Paper note is attractive with light handling, it may have a max of three light folds or one strong crease, the note will still have some crispness.

Next comes Very Fine (VF) An attractive note, with more evidence of handling and wear. The note can have a number of folds both horizontally and vertically. The note should still be crispy, not floppy.

Now we have Fine (F) A note in F condition shows considerable circulation, with many folds and creases and much wrinkling, the paper should not be too dirty and may have some softness, the edges can show a lot of handling, with minor tears in the border area, but not into the design. There will be no center hole because of excessive folding. Colors will be clear but not bright. A staple or pin hole or two wouldn't be considered unusual for a note in F cond.

Next is Very Good (VG) Paper is well worn and note is heavily used, can have strong multiple folds and creases, pinholes/staple holes, stains,discoloration, a center hole, edge tears, rounded corners and rather unattractive, no large pieces of the note may be missing, writing on the bill would be common in a note in VG cond.

FAIR - A limp, dirty. and very used paper note, large pieces may be torn off or missing, and tears will be larger.

POOR - A rag with severe damage because of wear, staining, missing pieces, large holes. A note in poor may have tape holding the note together.

The best way to grade a note is in person, grading from a picture on-line can be extremely difficult, and even more so when dealing with a crap picture, and crap descriptions from dealers who know next to nothing about what they are selling.

When checking out a paper note for a grade try to examine the note out of the holder is possible, move the note around so light bounces off at different angles, hold the note up to a light to see if there are folds or slight creases, as well as staple and pin holes.

If a note has been cleaned, washed or pressed, the grade automatically drops a grade, to tell if the note has been processed, hold the note to a light, its original sheen and it's surface will be dull and lifless, defects such as folds and crease will be seen, also some notes that have been washed can have white streaks where the folds and creases were and maybe still are.

There are no values for paper notes that are of a low serial number, only what a person is willing to bid or pay, the same goes for radar notes and bianary notes.

The best way to know about grading and value is to educate yourself, buy a few books or a subscription, knowledge is a better way to go than to just "trust" a dealer, after all dealers are all about one thing, making as much money as they possible can. Now there are alot of honest and true dealers, I have met my share, but at the same time there are as many dishonest dealers out there trying to get the most money out of your wallet as they possibly can, even if they have to lie.

Well I hope I have helped some peoples about the different grades of paper money, and what to look for when buying paper money.

Dirk~