Third-party grading transforms a note from a subjective item — 'the seller says it's Extremely Fine' — into an objectively certified one. For valuable notes, professional grading is not optional. It's the difference between a private transaction based on trust and a universally recognized, market-ready asset.
When you submit a note to PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency, their expert numismatists authenticate and grade the note, then encapsulate it in a tamper-evident plastic holder (a 'slab') showing the grade and certification number. The holder protects the note from physical and environmental damage while making the grade permanently verifiable by anyone who looks up the certification number online.
PMG is the world's largest and most widely recognized paper money grading service. Key facts:
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) expanded into currency and offers competitive grading. Key facts:
For paper money, PMG is the more widely used and recognized service, particularly among dealers and auction houses that specialize in currency. PCGS is excellent and equally respected, with strong brand recognition among collectors who also collect coins. If you're submitting a mixed collection of coins and notes, PCGS offers the convenience of a single submission. For paper money only, either service is a sound choice. We work with both and are happy to advise on specific submissions.
For notes worth $200 or more, third-party grading almost always pays for itself. A graded note sells faster, at a higher price, and with less negotiation than an ungraded one. For notes under $100, the submission fee may not be justified unless the note is particularly significant. For error notes, star notes, and any note claimed to be exceptional — grading is essential. We assist collectors with the full submission process.