IBNS Grading Standards

GRADING PAPER BANKNOTES - Graded Paper Note Images

Uncirculated (UNC)

A perfectly preserved note, never mishandled by the issuing authority, a bank teller, the public or a collector. Paper is clean and firm, without discolouration. Corners are sharp and square, without any evidence of rounding. (Rounded corners are often a tell-tale sign that an apparently high grade item has been cleaned or "doctored.") An uncirculated note will have its original natural sheen.

The attributes are:

About Uncirculated (AU or aUNC)

A virtually perfect note, with some minor handling. May show evidence of counting wrinkles (or teller flicks) at a corner or one light fold through the center, but not both. An AU note cannot be creased. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners are not rounded.

The attributes are:

Extremely Fine (EF of XF)

A very attractive note, with light handling. May have a maximum of three light folds or one crease. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners may show only the slightest evidence of rounding.

The attributes are:

Very Fine (VF)

An attractive note, but with evidence of handling and wear. May have a number of folds both vertically and horizontally. Paper may have minimal dirt, or possible colour smudging. Paper itself is still relatively crisp and not floppy. There are no tears into the border area, although the edges may show slight wear. Corners may also show wear but not full rounding.

The attributes are:

Fine (F)

A note that 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 folding. Colours are clear but not bright. A staple hole or two would not be considered unusual wear in a Fine note. Overall appearance is still on the desirable side.

The attributes are:

Very Good (VG)

A well-used note, abused but still intact. Corners may have much wear and rounding, the edges may have tiny nicks and tears may extend into the design, some discolouration may be present, staining may have occurred, and a small hole may be seen at center from excessive folding. Staple and pinholes are usually present, and the note itself is quite limp but no pieces of the note can be missing. A note in Very Good condition may still have an overall attractive appearance.

The attributes are:

Good (G)

A well-worn and heavily used note. Normal damage from prolonged circulation may include strong multiple folds and creases, stains, pinholes or staple holes, dirt, discolouration, 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 Good condition.

The attributes are:

Fair (Fair)

A totally limp, dirty and very well-used note. As well as the defects mentioned under the Good category, larger pieces may be half torn off or missing. Tears may be larger, obscured portions of the note may be bigger.

The attributes are:

Poor (PR)

A "rag" with severe damage because of wear; with staining, pieces missing, graffiti, and larger holes. May have tape holding pieces of the note together. Trimming may have taken place to remove rough edges. A Poor note is desirable only as a "filler" or when such note is the only one known of that particular issue.

The attributes are:

Attributes Side by Side