Banknote Grading Guide

Awesome Comprehensive Guide to Grading Banknotes on You Tube. Check it out.

https://youtu.be/1mq4nQBUJqE

https://youtu.be/WRX42kXxFJI

Banknote Grading Podcast Part 1 🎬

I really enjoyed watching this Part 1 podcast on grading.  I am impressed with the care & meticulous attention to details in this explicit narrative on a complex subject.  A collector asks questions and the expert answers in a seemless pertinent dialogue. The grading terms are accurately explained with appropriate graphics. All grade levels (UNC to Good) are covered with respect to level of perfection (production) & greater degree of circulation. I really enjoy viewing media that shines a light on our passion (knowing how to assess a note's condition) & this one is comprehensive. It is a very admirable accomplishment.  

Banknote Grading Podcast Part 2 🎬

Part 2 gets into the nitty gritty of some of the challenges a certifier encounters. It covers the benefits of TPG, the certification as a whole process & then jumps into more about the grade levels (not covered in part 1). It even delves into the complicated procedure of net grading, like how to deal with a serious issues (such as a piece missing) & how that detracts from the overall grade level.

The “Choice” (above avg & problem-free) term is elaborated on & in the different levels when Choice is awarded. The various degrees of paper quality, folds, stains & other issues are explored in depth. This is really well covered, elaborating the distinction between wrinkle, soft & hard folds on paper.  They visually show how paper quality can change with circulation/time, exposure to light, etc.  They also go on to discuss how attempts to processing (or doctor) a note often leads to a more devastating result. They show a before & after shot of a note cleaned (with WHITE crease lines) vs the unaltered note.  Great images of soft, rounded and missing corners are also featured. 

The producers of this video continue with the podcast format (Male collector asking female certifier). It also uses some excellent banknote eye candy too. Not just the US “Chief” Five we see in video 1 but they also use a National Bank of Scotland 20 quid & a Singapore $5.00 from the Orchid series. I like they way they tilt the large 20 Pound note to demonstrate viewing the note at an angle (highlighting its creases & imperfections). These 2 videos are a great pair to be viewed & reviewed!

Two big thumbs up if you're interested in this topic! 👍 👍

Great summary…really appreciate it!!

Great summary…really appreciate it!!

-Happy to pitch in @desiboyee & I hope it prompts others to check it out!

When I saw your OP on the Paper section of Coin Talk, I really wanted to view Part 1 immediately but was too busy.  Sadly, it took me a few days to set the time aside & give it my full attention. But I'm happy I checked it out & then came up with a concise review. The quality of Part 1 inspired me to check out Part 2. I saw another video posted by Kcollector on grading (a few years back) which was good but not nearly as comprehensive. I just hope lack of time is all that has prevented others from giving it their attention/feedback.

I did a short video on Grading notes over 6 years ago (before I started my Notaphilyc Culture site). Now, when I look at it, I realize how much detail I failed to cover. But over the years I've learned that Grading is an action & something which really takes a good deal of time to digest, practice & appreciate. It's a tricky subject. Learning how to do it is almost like learning a 2nd language (we reach plateaux and then may get a bit better at it but it takes practice & time).  While my video was a real glossed over treatment of a complex topic, at least I posted something to cover this critical aspect of our hobby. I have since posted it, & a basic summary of the Grade levels, on my Spotlight page.

Anyway, I hope (& encourage) others to check Parts 1 & 2 of this excellent podcast out. I will definitely be using it (& referring others to turn to it) in the future!

Checked out your extensive website and YT channel. Great info for banknote collectors. Lots of resources and your Canadian note collection is impressive. Awesome to have seasoned collectors as yourself helping to expand the relatively small banknote collector community with your advise and expertise. Hope you will continue to make more Youtube content. I dont use forum much but this is where the real talent is. Thank you again!