The EPQ designation from PCGS Currency and PMG can add significant value to a graded banknote, but few collectors fully understand what examiners are actually looking for. This guide breaks down the technical criteria, explains how EPQ affects market premiums, and shows you how to develop the eye for paper quality before you submit.
Read More →Counting machines, ATMs, and high-speed bank processing equipment inflict specific, recognizable damage patterns that can drop a note’s grade by two or more full points. Understanding these mechanical injuries helps collectors avoid costly mistakes and spot problem notes before they end up in their collections.
Read More →Split grades are one of the most misunderstood concepts in paper money grading, yet they can significantly affect a note’s value and collectibility. This guide breaks down exactly how PMG handles grade differentials between a note’s obverse and reverse, and what that final number really means for your collection.
Read More →