Banknote Grading Podcast Part 1 I really enjoyed watching this Part 1 video-podcast on grading. I am impressed with the care & meticulous attention to details in this explicit narrative on a complex subject. A collector asks questions and the expert answers in a seemless pertinent dialogue. The grading terms are accurately explained with appropriate graphics. All grade levels (UNC to Good) are covered with respect to level of perfection (production) & greater degree of circulation. I really enjoy viewing media that shines a light on our passion (knowing how to assess a note's condition) & this one is comprehensive. It is a very admirable accomplishment. Banknote Grading Podcast Part 2 Part 2 gets into the nitty gritty of some of the challenges a certifier encounters. It covers the benefits of TPG, the certification as a whole process & then jumps into more about the grade levels (not covered in part 1). It even delves into the complicated procedure of net grading, like how to deal with a serious issues (such as a piece missing) & how that detracts from the overall grade level. The “Choice” (above avg & problem-free) term is elaborated on & in the different levels when Choice is awarded. The various degrees of paper quality, folds, stains & other issues are explored in depth. This is really well covered, elaborating the distinction between wrinkle, soft & hard folds on paper. They visually show how paper quality can change with circulation/time, exposure to light, etc. They also go on to discuss how attempts to processing (or doctor) a note often leads to a more devastating result. They show a before & after shot of a note cleaned (with WHITE crease lines) vs the unaltered note. Great images of soft, rounded and missing corners are also featured. The producers of this video continue with the podcast format (Male collector asking female certifier). It also uses some excellent banknote eye candy too. Not just the US “Chief” Five we see in video 1 but they also use a National Bank of Scotland 20 quid & a Singapore $5.00 from the Orchid series. I like they way they tilt the large 20 Pound note to demonstrate viewing the note at an angle (highlighting its creases & imperfections). These 2 videos are a great pair to be viewed & reviewed! Two big thumbs up if you're interested in this topic
I will likely watch the videos later today based solely on your review of the videos. Thank you. I say this because watching the first :20 seconds and hearing the two AI generated voices turned me off completely. And thusly turned off the video. I can't stand watching videos with those voices. Your review will compel me to power through the nails on a chalkboard 'conversation'.
I'm glad you will at least attempt viewing it. I usually turn the volume down to its lowest & read the captions (for what its worth). I prefer AI generated voices to thick accents or the typical "ums, ahhs, " and other distracting idiosyncrasies I've heard with typical real-life podcasts (which I have also muted at times) & just read the CC's.
Here's another thread which exemplifies why Grading is a great skill to pick up. It could save you big $$$ if your into picking up expensive uncertified notes online. It is labelled: What is a "light tone" UNC banknote definition, and how would you grade this one? the OP shares his Slovenian note which shows what I speculate to be "light damage" though the origin of toning is unknown. This means his note is AU since tone is the result of aging (or light damage) & that should knock it down a level (from UNC). There is also another problem... It's a good thread & reviewing Banknote Grading Podcast Part 2 helps refresh some of the issues that can lower grade levels well.
