currency conservation

Rubber Band Damage on Paper Money: How Graders Assess Compression Lines, Surface Breaks, and the Limits of Conservation

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

Rubber band damage is one of the most misunderstood forms of paper money deterioration, and many collectors discover its impact only when a note comes back from a grading service at a lower grade than expected. This guide breaks down exactly how professional graders at PCGS Currency and PMG evaluate compression lines and surface breaks caused by rubber bands, and what conservation options realistically exist.

Chemical Damage to Currency: How to Identify Solvent Exposure, PVC Migration, and Acid Deterioration in Paper Money

June 15, 2026 by

Chemical damage is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated threats to paper currency, capable of destroying value silently over decades. This guide walks collectors through the science and visual cues behind solvent exposure, PVC migration, and acid deterioration so you can protect your holdings and make smarter buying decisions.