grading standards

Centering Standards for Small-Size Federal Reserve Notes: How PMG and PCGS Measure Margins and When Centering Caps a Grade

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

Centering is one of the most misunderstood grading criteria in paper money collecting, yet it can be the single factor that drops a crisp, bright note from a 67 to a 63. This guide breaks down exactly how PMG and PCGS Currency measure margins on small-size Federal Reserve Notes, which series are notorious for poor centering, and how savvy collectors can use this knowledge to find undervalued gems.

How Split Grades Work at PMG: When a Note’s Face Earns a Higher Grade Than Its Back and How the Final Number Is Determined

June 15, 2026 by

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.

The PMG Holder Font Change of 2010: Why Resubmitting Older Holdered Notes Sometimes Changes the Grade and What Collectors Should Know

June 15, 2026 by

In 2010, Paper Money Guaranty quietly updated its holder design and internal grading standards, creating a generation of ‘old holder’ notes that sometimes grade differently on resubmission. Understanding this shift can mean the difference between a savvy upgrade and a costly mistake for currency collectors.