Smelling Bills

I would be afraid I smelt something not so pleasant on the coin from the person that handled the coin before me, I would definitely never even think of putting these things in my mouth

The dealer was probably smelling the notes to see if he could smell bleach (or other cleaners). Just like coins, people try to "improve" the look of their banknotes and use household cleaning products to do it. Basically if the note has a funny smell to it (Like I said before; bleach.) then you know it has been cleaned.

He was just checking the originality of the note. I have smelt my banknote's to make sure they have note been cleaned.

No problem, anytime.

The polymer bills have a distinct smell to them.

I never thought of doing this, but may start incorporating the "smell test" now. I do like the smell of new U.S. notes though. Much more distinct than Canadian notes even before they changed to polymer.

It was to check of chemicals such as bleach or starch. The first cleans the note of dirt, the second will stiffen the paper. In Europe collectors like to see if notes will stay stiff when held in the middle or flop over.

One dealer I know often gives them a smell. The bleach smell never goes away. Pressing and bleaching is well known to "improve" the grade. I once handled some notes that were from a mass-market dealer and after they were enclosed in plastic for a bit the smell was unmistakable. You won't notice it much if it is in the open air for a while.

It is why a smell test can be important.

Regent LM59 Canadian paper money society