Supererior Currency Grading Scale

Currency Grading Information

There are two modifiers that can appear on a given note. These are:

1) Superior Paper Quality
Superior Paper Quality indicates that the paper is original, fresh and bright. This notation is not given to notes that have faded, been pressed or have any other flaws that detract from the appearance of the note. The existence of Superior Paper Quality on a note will indicate that the note is highly desirable for the grade and we feel should represent the best, most original condition to be had for the grade.

2) + (Plus)
The Plus notation is given to any note from Very Fine 25 to Gem 68. These are notes that have circulation appropriate for the grade but that exhibit well above average color, centering or other characteristics which make them notable. For example, a national note might achieve a plus notation for excellent pen signatures or even striking signature color. The Plus notation is essentially our value judgement that what is before us is remarkable note for the grade and that it deserves attention.

The notation will not be spelled out rather a simple Plus sign will accompany the numeric grade. eg: 58+

Superior Grading Plus Notation Example
# SPQ + Written Grade Grade Description
70 Flawless Gem This is a perfect note. The registration is even, the margins are exactly symmetrical and there are no detectable flaws. There will be nothing on the note that one could point to and say, I wish it weren't so. This is an unlikely grade to achieve.
69 Gem Uncirculated A 69 will be just short of perfect but will exhibit one minuscule flaw that holds it back. The flaw could be a minute sign of handling or a slightly asymmetrical margin or registration. If the note is "out of true" but nearly imperceptably it will be a 69.
68 Gem Uncirculated As with the 69, the 68 is nearly flawless with either tiny registration or margin skew or very slight handling. The note will be bright, fresh and beautiful.
67 Gem Uncirculated A 67 will have excellent appearance, superior registration and margins and bright colors. Minor handling may be present.
66 Gem Uncirculated A 66 will have nice margins but can be slightly out of registration or off center left to right. Minor handling may be present.
65 Gem Uncirculated 65 is the first Gem Uncirculated grade and will represent the gold standard for the type. Minor handling might be present and the registration or centering may be slightly off but close. Margins will be above average for the type.

64 Choice Uncirculated A 64 is a note that has minor handling and either centering or registration that is readily seen to be imperfect.
63 Choice Uncirculated A 63 is a note with noticable centering or registration issues. The note will be tight on one or more sides but the border will be present around the entire design. Handling may be present.
62 Uncirculated A 62 will be an uncirculated note with a problems of some sort. Either the note is cut so close to the design it's distracting or possibly there is excessive handling or toning.
61 Uncirculated A 61 is the same as the 62 but slightly worse... design is cut into, or handling detracts in some way. Possibly fading or sun damage.
60 Uncirculated The 60 is technically uncirculated but this note will exhibit several significant flaws that hold it back from a better grade.
58 About Uncirculated An AU 58 is an otherwise uncirculated note but exhibits a center fold or two corner bends. An Uncirculated note can also be knocked down due to excessive handling.
55 About Uncirculated The 55 is allowed to have two vertical folds but is otherwise similar to the AU 58
53 About Uncirculated An AU 53 will be similar to the the AU 55 but could have slightly more handling or one of the vertical folds may be a little harder than what would be acceptable for a AU 55
50 About Uncirculated An AU 50 will show one or two folds but they won't be hard folds and should not be a distraction.
45 Extremely Fine An Extremely Fine 45 will have up to three light folds and minor handling. The note will be superior in presentation to an average circulated note.
40 Extremely Fine An Xf 40 will be a grade similar to a 45 but the folds can be a little harder, more handling might be present.
35 Very Fine ...
30 Very Fine ...
25 Very Fine ...
20 Very Fine ...
15 Fine ...
12 Fine ...
10 VG/Fine ...
8 Very Good ...
6 Good ...
4 Good ...
3 About Good An about good will be anything but. It will be a ragged limp note but easily identifiable. No major damage to the note but minor chips and edge nicks are commonly found.
2 Fair A Fair note will be missing pieces and possibly hanging together.
1 Poor This will be a note that is identifiable but can be torn or partial. A horrid note by all accounts. :-)