note collecting tips

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.

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.