uncirculated currency

Stray Ink Dots on Uncirculated Federal Reserve Notes: Manufacturing Artifacts That Graders Notice but Rarely Penalize

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

Stray ink dots are among the most misunderstood manufacturing artifacts found on uncirculated Federal Reserve Notes, causing unnecessary alarm among new collectors who mistake them for damage. Understanding how graders evaluate these printing anomalies can save you from passing on a perfectly gradeable gem and help you make smarter buying decisions at auction.

The 63 vs. 64 Boundary: What Separates Choice Uncirculated from Near Choice and Why One Point Can Mean Hundreds of Dollars

June 15, 2026 by

A single point on the Sheldon grading scale can transform a $400 note into a $900 note overnight, yet the criteria separating MS-63 from MS-64 remain among the most debated in paper money collecting. This deep dive breaks down exactly what graders look for at the critical 63/64 boundary and how collectors can train their eyes to see the difference.