# paper money grading system

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-money-grading-system/251743>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 23, 2004, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-money-grading-system/251743 "2004-06-23T02:21:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![pope\_hentai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@pope\_hentai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pope_hentai)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2004, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-money-grading-system/251743/1 "2004-06-23T02:21:18Z")

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is there a standard for grading older paper money for sale? where might i find info on that?

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**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2004, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-money-grading-system/251743/2 "2004-06-23T02:27:36Z")

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I have a vintage $5.00 bills from 1972. I will sell it for $20.00

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**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-money-grading-system/251743/3 "2004-06-23T02:39:11Z")

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I’m sure someone will link to a more scientific one, but here’s how I [professionally] do it.

CU=crisp uncirculated. Not a single fold. NOT EVEN A MINOR ONE. Right off a brand new pack. Centering can influence whether you further call it average, choice, or gem.

AU=almost uncirculated. One fold, light, down the middle, is the usual. Or perhaps a corner became folded in handling.

EF= Extremely fine. One fold down the middle, and quite often two other vertical folds, one on either side of the middle fold. This occurs when a person folds a new bill down the middle, and then folds it over again. Or, it could be a heavy fold down the middle and folds in other places. But the “body” of the note is still very crisp.

VF=very fine. The three standard vertical folds, perhaps a horizontal fold running the width of the note, but the “body” is still there. Not in any way “limp” from use.

F=Fine. Pretty well circulated, still has some body but can be a bit limp, overall a well circulated note, but not worn down to where it is in any way frayed, nasty, etc.

VG=very good. Sound, very well worn, limp, not torn or frayed, but getting close around the edges,

G=good. Just about worn out, frayed to the point where edges have minor, short tears. very, very limp. dirty, nasty. A small piece of a corner could even be missing. Ready for the Federal REserve to shred it.