What should I collect?

Popular options: $2 bills (affordable, many series), star notes (free to find in circulation), silver certificates (historical, blue seal), fancy serial numbers (hunt in your change), or build a type set of different currency types.

How do I store my collection?

Use archival Mylar currency sleeves (not PVC), store flat in a cool dry place, handle by edges only, never fold or clean bills, and keep away from direct sunlight. Budget $15-$30 for proper storage supplies.

Is paper money collecting a good investment?

Quality collectible currency has historically appreciated, but collect what you enjoy first. Focus on condition; uncirculated notes hold value better. Rare types and star notes from low print runs tend to appreciate most.

How do I know if a bill is genuine?

Buy from reputable dealers, learn security features for each era, and consider third-party grading (PMG, PCGS) for expensive purchases. Authentication matters most for rare, high-value notes.

Published: January 6, 2025

Collecting Guide

Getting Started with Paper Money Collecting

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Popular Collection Categories

Paper money collecting (notaphily) offers many paths. Here are the most popular collecting categories for beginners and experienced collectors alike:

How to start collecting paper money Explore $2 bills Look up star notes

$2 Bills

Affordable entry point. Collect by series year or find star notes. Start for under $50.

Star Notes

Hunt for replacement notes in circulation. Free to find, fun to collect.

Silver Certificates

Blue seal notes from 1935-1957 are affordable ($2-$15 each).

Fancy Serial Numbers

Find them in your change. Ladders, radars, and low numbers.

Small-Size Type Set

One of each type/denomination from 1928-present.

Federal Reserve Districts

Collect all 12 district letters for each series.

Building a Type Set

A 'type set' means collecting one example of each distinct type of currency. This teaches you about U.S. monetary history while building a valuable collection. Here are the major types:

Silver certificate guide Gold certificate guide National bank notes

Type	Years Issued	Starting Cost	Notes
Federal Reserve Note	1914-Present	$1-$10	Current standard currency
Silver Certificate	1878-1964	$2-$20	Blue seal, backed by silver
United States Note	1862-1971	$5-$30	Red seal, legal tender
Gold Certificate	1863-1933	$100-$500	Rare, mostly recalled
National Bank Note	1863-1935	$30-$200	Issued by private banks
Federal Reserve Bank Note	1915-1934	$25-$100	Issued by FR Banks
Treasury/Coin Note	1890-1891	$200-$2,000	Scarce, high collector value

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How to Store Your Collection

Proper storage is essential to preserve your bills' value. Here's how to protect your investment:

Currency grading and condition guide PMG paper money preservation tips

Currency Sleeves

Use archival-quality Mylar sleeves (not PVC). Cost: $5-$15 for 50.

Never Fold

Even one fold can significantly reduce a bill's grade and value.

Handle by Edges

Oils from fingers cause long-term damage. Use cotton gloves for valuable notes.

Climate Control

Store in cool, dry conditions. Avoid attics, basements, and humidity.

Never Clean

Cleaning damages bills and destroys collector value. Accept natural aging.

Flat Storage

Store bills flat in albums or boxes. Never roll or bend.

Understanding Bill Grades

Bill grading describes condition on a scale. Understanding grades helps you buy wisely and value your collection:

PCGS currency grading standards PMG grading scale

Grade	Abbreviation	Description	Value Impact
Uncirculated	CU/UNC	Perfect, never used, full crispness	100% of catalog value
About Uncirculated	AU	Nearly perfect, very slight handling	70-85% of UNC value
Extremely Fine	XF/EF	Light folds, still crisp paper	50-70% of UNC value
Very Fine	VF	Several folds, still attractive	30-50% of UNC value
Fine	F	Many folds, still intact design	20-30% of UNC value
Very Good	VG	Well-used but no damage	10-20% of UNC value
Good	G	Heavily circulated, worn	5-15% of UNC value
Poor	P/FR	Damaged, torn, or defaced	Often face value only

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Where to Buy Paper Money

Building a collection means knowing where to find bills. Each source has pros and cons:

Find rare bills in circulation Rare dollar bills worth money

Your Own Change

Free! Check every bill you receive. Best for star notes and fancy serials.

eBay

Largest selection, competitive prices. Watch for fakes on rare notes.

Heritage Auctions

Premium quality, authenticated notes. Higher prices but trustworthy.

Local Coin Shows

Examine before buying, negotiate prices. Good for building relationships.

Coin Dealers

Quick purchases, knowledgeable staff. Prices vary, so shop around.

Bank Rolls

Order $2 bills, half dollars. Time-consuming but finds happen.

Features

How CashScan Helps With Your Collection

Scan to Add

Simply scan any bill to add it to your digital collection.

Organize by Type

Sort your collection by denomination, series, or category.

Track Progress

See which bills you have and which you still need.

Collection Value

Get estimates of your collection's total value.

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FAQ

Organize Your Collection FAQ

Start with what interests you. $2 bills are affordable ($2-$15 each), star notes can be found for free in your change, and silver certificates offer historical value for $2-$20. Pick one area and learn it well before expanding.