When evidence of wear is
present on a note, the inherent imperfections taken into account
when grading an uncirculated note become trivial. More important
are the number of creases and folds (predominantly in the VF
and above ranges) and the severity of the creases (a strong
consideration in the grades of F and lower). Also, consideration
must be made towards the amount of soiling on the note. Soiling
of a note is often correlated with the condition of the paper,
putting the prospective grader in the right frame of mind. Furthermore,
since eye appeal of the note is a great contributor to the enjoyment
of the hobby, the amount of soiling of a note should be taken
into account. The main difference between a VF-20 and a VF-25,
for example, is the amount of soiling. In the Uncirculated grades,
soiling of the note is a non-issue because the act of soiling
the note indicates circulation.
Soiling, however, should not be confused with damage to the
note. “Soiling” of the note is dirt which is grinded
into the major creases and fields of the note. “Damage”
to the note happens as a result of extraordinary harm and will
be mentioned separately from the grade of the note. An EF-40
note, for example, should be free of soiling. However, it can
have a pen mark and still receive the grade of EF-40 with a
mention of the pen. Unusual wear to the note will not effect
the grade designation of the note, but will be mentioned in
the description. No net grade will be given.
Soiling on a note can be (and is often) removed by a cleaning
process. The act of “restoring” a note is fraught
with controversy. Although it improves the overall eye appeal
of the note, it does so at the expense of the longevity and
originality of the note. Many restoring processes use harmful
chemicals that degrade the quality of the paper and continue
to do so over time. Because of the prevalence of this practice
in the industry, the amount of soiling on a note should only
be used as a guideline for the determination of the grade, not
a standard.
To make clear and fair to the industry, any note that has not
been altered in any way, be it a light pressing or an invasive
cleaning, and receives a grade of EF or higher will also receive
the auxiliary designation of ORIGINAL on the holder directly
below the number grade.
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