Grade of preservation of banknotes
The degree of preservation of a banknote indicates how much the banknote has been worn through circulation (and other handling). Collectors prefer notes with a high degree of preservation, i.e. H. little or no signs of circulation. Therefore the degree of preservation has a strong influence on the collector's value .
For the degree of preservation there is a scale with defined gradations, which are given in words (uncirculated, very beautiful etc.), with abbreviations (unz, ss etc.) or with Roman numerals (I, III etc.). Intermediate levels are often used (−III = slightly worse than III, III + = slightly better than III, III – II = between III and II).
The evaluation always contains a subjective component, since it cannot be measured but has to be estimated “by eye”.
Table of the degrees of conservation
| Digit | designation | English / international | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. | Kassenfrisch (KFR) (also: uncirculated / BFR), uncirculated (uncirculated) | Uncirculated (Unc) | A bank note that has never been in circulation and has no defects, not even slight creases. If a crease is removed by moistening the note and then pressing it, damage remains in the paper (visible in oblique light); such a note is by no means "uncirculated". The grade I- / fast BFR / AU (About Uncirculated) is therefore occasionally used to differentiate . |
| II | Excellent (VZGL) | Extremely fine (XF, EF) | Such a note was only in circulation for a short time. It is usually folded in the middle. Additional folds or dog-ears may be present, but only very slightly. The paper isn't dirty or wrinkled anywhere, and the corners aren't blunt. |
| III | Very fine (SS) | Very fine (VF) | A note with clearly recognizable traces of circulation. It is slightly creased and possibly also slightly dirty. But there are no tears. |
| IV | Nice (S) | Fine (F) | After prolonged circulation, the note is more wrinkled. Strong folds have torn the edge, but none of them reach inside the note. |
| V | Very good condition (SG) | Very good (VG) | The tears go deeper; there is usually a hole in the middle where the folds meet. |
| VI | In good condition (G) | Good (G) | There are numerous minor damages; but no major part of the note is missing. |
| VII | Poorly preserved / bad (GS) | Fair (FR), Poor (PR) | Badly damaged note. |
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Grading - Moneypedia. Retrieved July 21, 2019 .