The following scale is widely recognized within the paper currency collecting community to assess the condition and quality of banknotes. Grades are divided into two main categories: Uncirculated and Circulated, with subgrades indicating the presence or absence of flaws such as folds, handling, or wear.
Uncirculated Grades
70 Gem Uncirculated
A perfectly preserved note with no evidence of handling under 5x magnification. Centering must be nearly perfect.
69 Superb Gem Uncirculated
Virtually perfect, with very minor centering imperfections. No visible handling.
68 Superb Gem Uncirculated
High-end quality with exceptional eye appeal, minor centering issues may exist.
67 Superb Gem Uncirculated
Well-centered, bright, and original. Slight evidence of handling may be present.
66 Gem Uncirculated
Very attractive and crisp with minor handling. Centering may be slightly off.
65 Gem Uncirculated
Well-preserved note with strong eye appeal. May show very minor handling or minor centering imperfection.
64 Choice Uncirculated
Technically uncirculated, but with more noticeable handling or centering issues.
63 Choice Uncirculated
Still uncirculated, but may have multiple handling marks or moderate centering problems.
62 Uncirculated
Crisp and original with more pronounced handling, or distracting centering.
61 Uncirculated
Uncirculated note with heavier handling or poor centering. May have a slight counting crinkle or corner tip fold.
60 Uncirculated
Still technically uncirculated, but with significant distractions such as strong bends, smudges, or multiple flaws.
About Uncirculated
58 About Uncirculated
Almost uncirculated with a light center fold or corner fold. Still crisp and bright.
55 About Uncirculated
Light circulation evident. Two light folds or one stronger fold may be present.
53 About Uncirculated
Slightly more wear, possibly two or three folds or a single corner fold and light handling.
50 About Uncirculated
Still attractive, but with multiple folds and noticeable handling.
Extremely Fine
45 Extremely Fine
Light overall wear, but paper still bright and crisp. Several light folds.
40 Extremely Fine
Heavier circulation than 45, with more folds or slightly soiled appearance.
Very Fine
35 Very Fine
Noticeable signs of circulation, including folds and creases, but paper retains some crispness.
30 Very Fine
Numerous folds and signs of handling, but still presentable.
25 Very Fine
More wear and creasing, note may be slightly limp or dirty.
20 Very Fine
Heavily circulated with some damage or soiling, but no serious tears.
Fine
15 Fine
Heavily circulated with many folds, rounded corners, and signs of wear.
12 Fine
Very worn, may have small tears or pinholes, still intact.
Very Good
10 Very Good
Major signs of wear, small pieces missing, minor tears. Still identifiable and intact.
8 Very Good
Extensive wear, rough edges, possible small holes or stains.
Good
6 Good
Very worn, tears and pieces missing, heavy soiling or staining. Paper may be limp.
4 Good
Note is barely intact, major damage, but enough detail remains to identify.
Fair & Poor
3 Fair
Badly damaged with large chunks missing. Might be held together with tape.
2 Poor
Extremely deteriorated, barely identifiable, very fragile.
1 Poor
Only a fragment remains. Missing significant portions or barely recognizable.
This scale serves as a standardized guide to evaluate the condition of collectible paper money and is widely accepted by collectors, dealers, and auction houses.