Grading Currency, at
budget rates, for our members
Despite variations in naming conventions used by grading services, in
essence all organization abide by the same concepts. Below are the
definitions applied by GCGS LLC in the grading process.
Definitions:
Crisp Uncirculated (60-70) - perfectly preserved note; never
mishandled by holder(s); paper is clean and firm; no discoloration;
sharp and square corners without rounding; original, natural sheen.
About Uncirculated (50,53,55,58) - virtually perfect note
with only some minor handling; may show bank counting folds at a corner
or one light fold through the center, but not both; has no creases nor
hard folds which break note surface; paper is bright, original sheen and
no rounded corners.
Extremely Fine (40,45) - attractive note with light handling;
up to three light folds or one strong crease; paper is clean and bright
with original sheen; corners show only the slightest evidence of
rounding; may have a wear where fold meets the edge.
Very Fine (20,25,30,35) - attractive note but with more
evidence of wear; may have folds vertically and horizontally; paper has
minimal dirt or possible color smudging yet is relatively crisp and not
floppy; corners show slight wear but not full rounding.
Fine (12,15) - note of considerable circulation with multiple
folds, creases and wrinkles; paper is not excessively dirty, but does
have some softness; edges show handling with minor tears in the border
area but not extending into the design; folding must not have resulted
in center hole at crease; color is clear but not bright; may have up to
two staple holes.
Very Good (8,10) - well-used note, heavily handled and
abused, but still intact without missing any pieces; corners show wear
and rounding with nicks and tears extending in the design; may have
discoloration and staining; small hole is visible from creases; staples
and pin holes common; paper is limp.
Good (4,6) - heavily used and worn note; damaged from
prolonged circulation with multiple holes, creases, folds, dirt,
discoloration. edge tears; overall unattractive appearance; may have
graffiti; no large pieces of note missing.
About Good (3) - well worn and allowing small pieces of note
to be missing.
Fair (2) - limp note, dirty and heavily used; large pieces of
note missing; note torn and defective; holes obscure sections of design.
Poor (1) - severely damaged due to wear; large holes;
excessive graffiti; edges may have been trimmed; note often held
together with tape.
