We will grade based on what we see, not on what others have seen or heard. We will consult published and available census information, but if we disagree with what the census says we will call the grade as we see it. Many inconsistencies between the census data and the actual preservation of a note can be traced to old auction descriptions where the grade was deliberately understated in order to produce impressive prices realized.

In other cases, the census grade may be overstated. The census information is often based on only one person’s observation and report. We will consider this information, but we will not make a final determination based solely upon this data. We will grade based on what the note looks like now, not what the note may have looked like at some time in the past. A pressed out note that once was a legitimate AU but now shows no visible traces of folds, even under the closest examination, must be graded at some level of New or uncirculated. If there are no folds now, there are no folds to describe.

On the other hand, we feel confident that ourability to detect pressed, processed, or otherwise restored notes is sufficient to detect when such work has been attempted or completed, and we will determine the grade based on such observations. A note that has been pressed will not receive the same numerical grade as a similar appearing note that has not been pressed.

We will grade using our unbiased opinion as to the overall merits of a particular note, based on the following factors: eye appeal, centering, margins, paper quality, and originality. Our aim is to give an objective and realistic opinion that both buyers and sellers can use to enable and facilitate transactions of collectible currency in the marketplace.