currency certification

PCGS Currency vs. PMG: Which Grading Service Is Right for Your Paper Money Collection?

June 15, 2026 by

When it comes to certifying and grading US paper money, two names dominate the hobby: PCGS Currency and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG). This in-depth comparison breaks down their grading scales, holder quality, market acceptance, and submission strategies to help you make the smartest decision for your notes.

What Makes a Note Multiply-Qualified as EPQ: Why Not Every Uncirculated Submission Earns the Paper Quality Designation

June 15, 2026 by

EPQ, or Exceptional Paper Quality, is one of the most misunderstood designations in currency grading, and its presence or absence on a certified holder can swing a note’s value by hundreds of dollars. This deep-dive explains exactly what PCGS Currency and PMG evaluate when awarding the EPQ qualifier, why pristine uncirculated notes still fail to earn it, and how collectors can identify EPQ-worthy material before submitting.