One thing I've noticed is that many of those notes are actually AU, not Uncirculated. Some have rounded corners, corner folds, or other small folds. The best way to look for folds and creases is to shine a broad, diffuse light horizontally along the banknote. This video has some good tips:
Quote: One thing I've noticed is that many of those notes are actually AU, not Uncirculated.
-This is so true, especially on large World lots (like 25 or 50 notes) b/c the dealer doesn't think he/she is selling to a banknote collector (but a coin collector newbie) so it is dealer stock sent/marked up as UNC. It is a real shame b/c it doesn't help the hobby when there's that type of unsavory trend going on. And it doesn't help collectors get into banknotes! Great video: thanks for sharing @CollegeBarbers! I have sometimes found it very difficult to get genuine UNC notes. I have even seen several PMG (& other TPG certified notes) with staple holes, small stains, folds & washed out segments/fields graded as Gem UNC 64-66 EPQ (or PPQ)! I have been watching a few YT dealers show their graded notes & voila (a staple hole) on a close up but the dealer's narrative doesn't mention it (b/c he believes the holder's grade). It seems remarkable (& unbelievable) that even certifiers (who are paid to see flaws) could miss a staple hole but they do (just watch some YT dealer videos/slow down the playback speed & look at the ones who use a loop/magnifying glass & you'll start seeing many!)
Quote: The best way to look for folds and creases is to shine a broad, diffuse light horizontally along the banknote.
This is so true & such good practice to do. (Benjamin demonstrates it nicely on his video featuring the 500 Francs from France).
1988 Vietnam 1000 Dong 134x65mm P-106a This posting is a milestone, 50/100. I'm halfway through my 100 notes. To celebrate, I am posting a special note, a Germany hyper-inflation note. Look for it after this Vietnam 100 Dong note.
1924 Germany-Weimar Republic Reichsbanknote 500 million marks 155x85mm P-110d1 Reverse is blank.
I hoped you enjoyed the 500 million hyper-inflation note. Now we are back on track...here is number 51. I will be posting 5 at a time as its easier to keep track of them.
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Posted 06/10/2026 8:39 pm
