FREE: Series 2003 A $2 - Graded & Encapsulated!

The listing, Series 2003 A $2 - Graded & Encapsulated! has ended.

When I've listed currency, I may have urged you to have a note graded. Grading companies such as PGCS or PMG have their experts examine it for creases, soiling, pen or pencil marks, tearing and so on. The note is then given a grade from 1 (lowest possible) to 70 (a perfect note).

This note has a grade of 67. While it may look perfect, there are two flaws. Both sides look centered vertically and horizontally, but the reverse is slightly off. The left margin is 6mm, while the right is 7mm. Even something that minor will impact the grade! The second flaw is embossing. The Intaglio printing process subjects the paper (actually made of cotton) to several tons of pressure. The ink is forced into the paper, and features such as the portrait, lines and the serial number will develop a raised feel. I suspect the embossing on this note is not prominent, and so the grade was reduced. The letters "PPQ" (Premium Paper Quality) indicate the paper is crisp, bright and free from defects.

Once graded, the note is placed into a plastic sleeve, sealed, and labeled. The note’s information is placed in a census that lists the number and grade of all known specimens of each type of note. The census helps collectors set the value of the note; obviously, a note will be worth more if there are fewer of them! It also shows when it was last sold at public auction and for how much.

Why have a note graded? It helps protect it from further damage, it's a guarantee that the note has not been "doctored", such as gluing internal tears, erasing ink or pencil marks, or washing the note. These actions can reduce the value as much as 50%! If you're going to spend thousands or dollars for a very rare note, grading ensures you'll get your money's worth!

Beware any seller who won’t have a note graded! They're hiding something!