Assessing Note Condition at Home

While professional grading provides the most accurate and objective assessment, you can make reasonable preliminary condition evaluations at home using simple techniques and proper examination methods.

Basic Equipment Needed

Lighting

Oblique (angled) lighting is the most important tool for home assessment:

• Position a bright light source at a sharp angle to the note (not straight down)
• Angle the light at 45 degrees or more from horizontal
• This reveals folds, creases, surface marks, and other conditions that are invisible under normal lighting
• Overhead or diffuse lighting will hide condition issues

Magnification

A loupe (magnifying glass) helps evaluate:

• Fine details of condition
• Whether stains are surface contamination or embedded in the paper
• Edge condition and rounding
• Center wear on design elements
• Paper quality and original color

A 10x magnification loupe is standard; anything higher is unnecessarily strong for currency.

Reference Images

The PMG and PCGS websites provide reference images for each grade level. Compare your note to these official examples to calibrate your assessment.

Step-by-Step Assessment Process

Step 1: Initial Inspection

Examine the note under normal lighting from multiple angles:

• Look for obvious damage (tears, holes, large stains, writing)
• Assess the overall impression: does it look worn or fresh?
• Check for discoloration or unusual coloring

Step 2: Fold and Crease Assessment

Switch to oblique lighting and carefully assess folds:

• Are there visible creases? How many?
• How prominent are the creases? (light and barely visible vs. heavy and obvious)
• Where are the creases located? (center, edges, corner)
• A single light center crease indicates light circulation
• Heavy creasing throughout indicates heavy circulation

Step 3: Edge Condition

Examine the edges under magnification:

• Sharp corners – Indicates minimal circulation (AU or higher)
• Slightly rounded corners – Light circulation (VF range)
• Well-rounded edges – Moderate circulation (F-Fine range)
• Very rounded, almost no sharp edges – Heavy circulation (VG or lower)

Step 4: Surface and Staining

Look carefully for discoloration:

• Clean, unblemished surface – Excellent (VF or higher without other issues)
• Light spotting or minor stains – VF to AU range
• Moderate discoloration – Fine to VF range
• Heavy staining or foxing – VG or lower

Step 5: Center Wear Assessment

Examine the portrait and design details under magnification:

• Sharp, well-defined portrait – AU or MS (minimal circulation)
• Slight flattening of portrait edges – VF range (light circulation)
• Noticeable portrait flattening – Fine range (moderate circulation)
• Heavy portrait flattening, details becoming smooth – VG range (heavy circulation)

Step 6: Color Assessment

Evaluate the note's color:

• Bright, original green and black – Excellent for MS or AU
• Slightly faded color – Normal for VF and Fine notes
• Notable fading – VG or lower
• Heavy yellowing or darkening – From age or chemical exposure

Comparing to Reference Standards

Using PMG/PCGS Grading Guides

The PMG and PCGS websites provide detailed grading standards with images for each grade. After assessing your note:

• Compare your note to the reference images for each grade
• Your note will likely fall somewhere between two reference grades
• Use the intermediate grades (e.g., VF-27 if it's between VF-25 and VF-30) to narrow down

Common Benchmarks for Home Assessment

Identifying AU (About Uncirculated)

AU notes show:

• Sharp corners and edges
• No visible folds under oblique lighting
• Bright original color
• Perhaps one light crease or handling mark

Identifying VF (Very Fine)

VF notes show:

• Slightly rounded corners
• One or a few light creases visible under oblique lighting
• Portrait still sharp but with slight wear on highest points
• Color still bright but possibly slightly faded

Identifying Fine

Fine notes show:

• Noticeably rounded corners and edges
• Multiple creases and folds visible
• Portrait noticeably worn but still clear
• Light staining possible
• Color slightly faded

Identifying VG (Very Good)

VG notes show:

• Very rounded edges
• Heavy circulation wear throughout
• Portrait substantially flattened
• Possible staining
• Notably faded color

When to Seek Professional Grading

Consider professional grading if:

• You believe your note might be AU-50 or higher (professional confirmation adds value)
• The note is worth more than $100 (where accurate grading matters significantly)
• You're planning to sell the note (professional grading increases buyer confidence)
• You need authentication of an error note or fancy serial