IBNS Grading Standards

GRADING POLYMER BANKNOTES - Graded Polymer Note Images

Uncirculated (UNC)

A perfectly preserved note, never mishandled by the issuing authority, a bank teller, the public or a collector. The banknote is clean and firm, without discolouration. Corners are sharp and square. 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 bank counting folds at a corner or one light fold through the center, but not both. An AU note cannot be creased. Surface is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners are not damaged.

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 strong crease. Polymer is clean and bright with original sheen.

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. Banknote may have minimal dirt, or possible colour smudging. Banknote is still relatively crisp and not crumpled. The edges and corners may show slight wear.

The attributes are:

Fine (F)

circulation with many folds, creases and wrinkling. The banknote is not excessively dirty. Edges may show much handling with minor ink missing in the border area. 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 and edges may have much wear, some discolouration may be present, and staining may have occurred. Staple and pinholes are usually present, and the note itself is quite crumpled 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, damaged 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 crumpled, 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. Ink will be missing, both from the polymer substrate and the surface ink will be worn.

The attributes are:

Poor (PR)

A banknote with severe damage because of wear; with staining, pieces missing, and graffiti. May have tape holding pieces of the note together.

The attributes are:

Attributes Side by Side