Banknote grading terminology
|
Abbreviation
|
Detailed explanation | |
|
Crisp flat uncirculated
|
CFU
|
Absolutely flawless original condition as received from the mint. |
|
Uncirculated
|
Unc
|
Not ever used in circulation. No wear, soiling or significant blemishes. May show a very minor crinkle or corner rounding due to handling at the bank or in collections. Typical is the 'teller flick' common to brand new notes obtained from retail banks. |
| Unc with a fold |
Ufold
|
Not used in circulation. No blemishes other than a centre fold resulting from the once common bank teller practice of releasing new notes in bundles of ten secured with an elastic band. |
|
Extremely Fine
|
EF
|
Close to uncirculated, but probably taken out of circulation after some handling. Will have signs of limited handling but no major flaws. |
|
Very Fine
|
VF
|
Generally clean, undamaged and attractive, but signs of significant circulation. |
|
Fine
|
F
|
Significant crinkling, folding and some soiling, but free of any seriously disfiguring tears, holes or stains. |
|
Very Good
|
VG
|
Very well worn, some soiling and possibly some damage to corners or edges. The lowest collectable grade. |
|
about
|
a
|
Denotes not quite, but almost. For example, aUnc is significantly better than EF but not quite Unc. |
|
good
|
g
|
Denotes better than. For example, gEF is
better than EF but not quite aUnc. |