US Notes

EPQ vs. PPQ Explained: Why Those Three Letters Can Double the Value of Your Currency Note

The EPQ and PPQ qualifiers assigned by PCGS Currency and PMG can dramatically affect what a note is worth and whether it belongs in a top-tier collection. Understanding exactly what these designations mean, how graders apply them, and when they truly matter is essential knowledge for any serious currency collector.

Read More →

Submission Strategies for National Bank Notes: Why Third-Party Grading Adds More Value to Rare Charter Issues Than to Common Notes

Not every National Bank Note benefits equally from professional third-party grading, and submitting the wrong notes can cost collectors more in fees than they gain in resale value. This guide breaks down exactly which charter issues, denominations, and condition thresholds justify the cost of PCGS Currency or PMG encapsulation, and which ones are better left raw.

Read More →

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

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.

Read More →

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

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.

Read More →