got this guy from work yesterday i know you cant clean coins unless you are super experienced with doing it, even though that isnt the greatest idea. but is there any way to help out notes that are creased, or is that a no no in the paper money world?
Don't iron your notes. Pressing the notes is frequently frowned upon, but I think it's perfectly acceptable in some situations. If you plan on keeping the notes, you can try to steam them over a kettle and then put in a book to dry. Make sure to test the book with a regular dollar bill to make sure the ink from the pages won't smear onto the note when the note is wet. Once the note is in the book, place it on a hard surface and stack some other books on top of it. Leave it there for at least 48 hours. Keep in mind, if a note has any folds or creases, it is obvious when the note has been pressed. Some people do it to improve the appearance of the note and then sell it. A third party grader will be able to easily tell when the note has been pressed. Doing so will likely cost it a possible PPQ/EPQ rating. These ratings stand for Premium Paper Quality or Exceptional Paper Quality and indicate that the paper is more or less original. A PPQ/EPQ rating usually commands a significant premium over an equivalent grade. I must admit I have pressed some notes that I decided to frame. They came out nicely and made the folds less significant. I also pressed a note that had a bend in it (no crease). That note came out exceptionally well. You can also clean some stains off of a note, but I don't suggest it unless you are very experienced. There's a good chance of putting an extra crease or fold into the note if you are not careful. If the corners are weak, there's a chance of tearing them as well. You would use something called a dry cleaning pad. Never use an eraser.
i wasnt going to iron them, sounds too risky anyways. i dont not plan on sending any notes i have to be graded since most i find in circulation anyways. just want to put them in their plastic holders and look nice (or nicer than they currently look). i appreciate the info and if i do decide i want to go this route then i will attempt with a bill i do not intend to keep
Most, if not all, note collectors can tell if a note has been cleaned and/or pressed. Don't do it. If it had any premium to begin with, you'll just clean and press it away. Be patient. There will be others around soon to tell you how to get the best out of your note.
