Grading Table For Banknotes

When you start collecting banknotes the most important thing you should take care of is the condition of the banknote or grading of the banknote. The condition of the banknote is the key point which tells you about the value of your banknote. Sometimes small differences in grades can make significant differences in value . A banknote can worth 10$ in Fine condition , 20$ in Very Fine Condition , 50$ in Extra Fine Condition , 90$ in About Uncirculated condition and 125$ in Uncirculated condition. So grading is the key point to determine the value of the banknote. 

Grading Tables and Condition Tables is a very common argument that dealers and collectors are discussing about it years . But there is a very easy specific table you should take care of while grading your banknotes.

We are using this condition table while grading the world banknotes.  

UNC / Uncirculated Banknote (10 / 10 Condition) : A perfectly preserved note, never mishandled by the issuing authority, a bank teller, the public or a collector. Paper is clean and firm, without discoloration. Corners are sharp and square, without any evidence of rounding, folding or bending. It is a perfect note without any problems . According the World Paper Money catalogues , a perfect banknote with a machine counting fold is still considered as UNC banknote. 

UNC- /  (9,9/10 Condition) : Same as UNC banknote with a very small bend in the corner , please note that i am not telling a broken corner just a small bend .

AUNC – UNC / (9,5/10 Condition) :  Same as UNC banknote with one broken corner

AU – UNC / (9/10 Condition) : A virtually perfect note, with some minor handling. One light fold through the center or one big hard fold which has usually “broken” the surface of the note. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners are not rounded. In AU condition banknotes there should be only 1 mistake not 2.

XF / Extremely Fine Banknote (8 / 10 Condition) : A 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.

aXF / About Extremely Fine Banknote (7,5/10 Condition) : Between VF and XF banknote

VF / Very Fine Banknote ( 7 /10 Condition) : An attractive note, but with more evidence of handling and wear. May have several folds both vertically and horizontally. Paper may have minimal dirt, or possible color smudging. Paper itself is still relatively crisp and floppy. There are no tears into the border area, although the edges do show slight wear. Corners also show wear but not full rounding.

F / Fine Banknote (6/10 Condition) : 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 F note. Overall appearance is still on the desirable side.

VG / Very Good Banknote / (5/10 Condition) : 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 sometimes be seen at center from excessive folding. Staple holes and pinholes are usually present, and the note itself is quite limp but NO pieces of the note can be missing. A note in VG condition may still have an overall not unattractive appearance.

G / Good Banknote / (4/10 Condition) : 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 appearance. No large pieces of the note may be missing. Graffiti is commonly seen on notes in G condition.

Standard International Grading Terminology & Abbreviations