Professional Grading Services

Professional grading is the process of having currency experts evaluate the authenticity and condition of your notes. Two major companies provide this service: PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) and PCGS Currency. Professional grading provides authentication, standardized condition assessment, and encapsulation in protective holders.

What Professional Graders Do

Authenticate

Experts verify that a note is authentic U.S. currency (not counterfeit). This expertise is valuable, especially for:

• High-value notes where counterfeiting is profitable
• Rare or unusual notes where authentication isn't obvious
• Notes with printing errors (confirming they're genuine BEP errors)

Grade Condition

Experts assign a standardized condition grade on the PMG/PCGS scale (1-70), removing subjectivity. This allows buyers and sellers to communicate about condition using universal standards.

Encapsulate

Notes are placed in tamper-evident plastic slabs with the grade, series information, and certification number printed on the label. The slab protects the note from handling and environmental damage.

Label Enhancements

Graders may add notations such as:

• EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) – The note has original surfaces, no repairs, and excellent eye appeal
• PPQ (Premium Paper Quality) – Similar to EPQ, used by some graders
• Star note designation – Identifies if a note is a replacement
• Error notation – Identifies the specific error type if applicable

The PMG and PCGS Grading Scale

Grade 1-58: Circulated Notes

• P-1 – Poor (barely identifiable)
• FR-2 – Fair
• AG-3 – About Good
• G-4, G-6 – Good (heavily worn, design clear)
• VG-8, VG-10 – Very Good (heavily circulated)
• F-12, F-15 – Fine (worn but all details visible)
• VF-20, VF-25, VF-35 – Very Fine (moderate circulation wear)
• EF-40, EF-45 – Extremely Fine (light circulation wear)
• AU-50, AU-55, AU-58 – About Uncirculated (very light wear, barely circulated)

Grade 60-70: Uncirculated Notes

• MS-60, MS-61 – Mint State (uncirculated, but visible signs of press handling)
• MS-62, MS-63 – Mint State (uncirculated, light eye appeal issues)
• MS-64, MS-65 – Mint State (uncirculated, excellent eye appeal)
• MS-66, MS-67 – Gem Mint State (virtually flawless)
• MS-68, MS-69 – Superb Gem (exceptionally pristine)
• MS-70 – Perfect (theoretical perfection, extremely rare)

The Cost of Professional Grading

Grading costs vary based on service level:

• Standard service – $20-$50 per note, turnaround 2-4 weeks
• Expedited service – $75-$150+ per note, faster turnaround
• Bulk discounts – Submitting multiple notes reduces per-note cost

Is Professional Grading Worth It?

Grading is most valuable for:

• High-value notes – If the note is worth $100+, the cost of certification is small compared to potential value increase
• Error notes – Authentication of genuine errors commands significant premiums
• Rare fancy serials – Solids, ladders, and other ultra-rare types justify certification cost
• Condition-sensitive notes – When grade can dramatically affect value (e.g., AU vs. EF), professional assessment is valuable
• Resale intent – Professionally graded notes sell more confidently at higher prices

Grading Is Not Worth It For:

• Heavily circulated common notes (face value or minimal premium)
• Notes worth less than the certification fee
• Common star notes with large print runs
• Notes you're collecting personally and don't plan to sell

How to Submit Notes for Grading

The process is straightforward:

1. Visit the PMG or PCGS website and create an account
2. Fill out a submission form listing your notes with descriptions
3. Arrange payment for the grading fee
4. Mail or deliver your notes securely (use insured shipping for high-value items)
5. Wait for grading and encapsulation
6. Receive your graded, encapsulated notes

Post-Grading Considerations

After grading:

• The slab protects the note – Encapsulated notes require minimal handling or storage setup
• You can research the grade online – The certification number can be looked up on PMG/PCGS websites
• Resale is easier – Encapsulated notes with established grades sell more confidently than raw (ungraded) notes