I already collect coins and silver rounds and want to get into paper money too. Could anyone tell me everything I need to look for when looking through paper money? I would be greatful if any of you had some tips for me. Thanks!
Like coins, there are too many variables. My suggestion would be to read some of the books on paper money and try to find a niche that suits you. Chris
That's a huge open ended question. Could you specify for "looking through" do you mean looking at a dealer's stock? looking through your wallet? looking through ebay listings? And are you asking about determining rarity, about determining grade or quality, about value? And any particular country/ies of interest?
US only or the more interesting 'rest of the world'. For the RoW, look for countries that have not gone bust, in other words, countries that have not had their currency rendered useless by war or hyperinflation. Notes that held their value were usually traded in for new issues and are scarce, but you can get a bundle of 100 1898 1 rouble notes for a few bucks. Pretty well all British Empire notes, George VI and earlier are worth looking out for. A comprehensive knowledge of world history over the last 100 years is useful. It's a good way to spot likely rarities. There are no simple rules, although to say anything after about 1960 should be EF or UNC condition is not far off being a general rule. One more near universal rule, veterans returning from various wars all brought back the same pocket full of very common, low denomination notes in rough condition. You soon get to know all the usual suspects.
Sorry about that, I meant looking through mt wallet and looking through stacks I get from the bank. I am interested in determining rarity and value. USA is the only country I'm interested in.
With modern US currency, found in your wallet and from the bank, you're primary (only) rarity interest would be in odd-ball or unusual serial numbers, star notes and errors. That's about it...
Difficult question. I would suggest a subscription (digital or paper) to BankNote Reporter; http://www.shopnumismaster.com/bank...-u-s?cid=420&gclid=CO3Xn9bHuMcCFYU6aQodwlQNlQ Read, read, read. Your local library might even have something.
I think by unusual, YoYo meant FANCY.....as in solids, near solids, ladders, radars, repeaters, errors, and low print run star notes. This website has examples of many FANCY serial numbers. http://www.tickleyourfancycurrency.com/index.htm
