Should I get my bills professionally graded?

For bills worth $100+, professional grading from PMG or PCGS Currency adds credibility and can increase sale price by 10-30%. It's not cost-effective for common notes worth under $50, as grading fees start around $20.

Does cleaning bills increase value?

Never! Cleaning damages bills and destroys collector value. Chemical cleaning removes paper fibers, pressing removes embossing, and erasing causes abrasion. Collectors want original, untouched condition. Cleaned notes are worth 50% or less of unaltered examples.

How do I grade my own bills?

Count folds (each significant fold drops about 5 grades), check for stains or marks, evaluate paper crispness, and examine margins. One fold = AU (50-58) max. Multiple folds = VF (25-35) or lower. No folds but handling marks = uncirculated range (60-64).

Published: March 16, 2026

Collecting Guide

Currency Grading Guide

Learn how condition affects the value of paper money.

Why Grading Matters

Condition is one of the biggest factors in currency value. A bill graded 'Very Fine' might be worth $50, while the same bill graded 'Gem Uncirculated' could be worth $500. Understanding grading helps you buy wisely and value your collection accurately.

PMG paper money grading PCGS currency grading standards How to start collecting paper money

Value Multiplier

Uncirculated notes often worth 3-10x circulated examples.

Buying Protection

Grading helps you know what you're paying for.

Selling Advantage

Accurate grades help you price notes appropriately.

Professional Grades

Third-party grading adds credibility and liquidity.

The Standard Grading Scale

Currency uses a 70-point scale similar to coins. Here are the major grades and what they mean:

PMG grading scale reference Bill value checker tool

Grade	Number	Description	Value Impact
Superb Gem CU	67-70	Perfect or near-perfect. Flawless.	Maximum value
Gem Uncirculated	65-66	Exceptional quality, minimal marks.	95-98% of max
Choice Uncirculated	63-64	Above average, slight handling.	85-92% of max
Uncirculated	60-62	No folds, but may have handling marks.	70-80% of max
About Uncirculated	50-58	Nearly uncirculated, very light fold.	50-65% of max
Extremely Fine	40-45	Light folds, still very crisp.	35-45% of max
Very Fine	25-35	Several folds, attractive overall.	20-30% of max
Fine	12-15	Many folds, still decent eye appeal.	12-18% of max
Very Good	8-10	Well-circulated, no major damage.	8-12% of max
Good	4-6	Heavy wear, still readable.	5-8% of max
Poor/Fair	1-3	Damaged, torn, or barely readable.	Often face value

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What Affects a Bill's Grade

Graders evaluate several factors when assigning a grade:

Currency security features guide Paper money collecting basics

Folds/Creases

Each fold reduces grade. One light fold = About Uncirculated max.

Centering

How well the design is centered in the margins.

Paper Quality

Original crispness, no softness or limpness.

Embossing

Raised printing should still be tactile on high grades.

Margin Integrity

Sharp corners, no tears or fraying.

Surface

No stains, writing, stamps, or counting marks.

Professional Grading Services

For valuable notes, professional grading provides authentication and market confidence:

PMG Paper Money Guaranty PCGS Currency grading service Check your bill's value

PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)

Industry leader. Grades paper money worldwide.

PCGS Currency

Well-respected service from PCGS coin graders.

Cost

Typically $20-$50+ per note depending on service level.

Encapsulation

Notes sealed in protective holders with grade label.

When Worth It

Generally for notes worth $100+ or when selling to unknown buyers.

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Never Do These Things

Certain actions permanently damage bills and destroy collector value:

Bill collecting best practices Rare bills worth money

Never Clean

Washing, chemicals, or erasers damage paper fibers permanently.

Never Press/Iron

Flattening removes original embossing collectors prize.

Never Tape

Tape stains and damages. Removal also causes damage.

Never Fold

Even one fold on an uncirculated bill drops grade significantly.

Never Write

Any marks reduce grade and value.

Features

How CashScan Helps With Bill Grading

Grading Scale

Learn the standard grading scale from Poor to Gem Uncirculated.

Condition Tips

Understand what affects a bill's grade and value.

Value Impact

See how condition changes what bills are worth.

Grading Services

Learn about professional grading from PMG and PCGS.

Try CashScan free to scan, identify, and value your bills.

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FAQ

Understand Bill Grading FAQ

Gem Uncirculated (65-66 on the 70-point scale) means a bill has never been folded, has sharp corners, original embossing, and minimal handling marks. These command near-maximum value. Superb Gem (67-70) is essentially perfect.