I was wondering what the prevailing thoughts were on this issue? I am interested in a note that has a jagged bottom edge and want to know what folks usually do in this situation. Heres a picture: Part of me wants to drag a razor blade across that bottom edge to clean it up and make it more presentable, I know cleaning coins is bad, but this is almost like cleaning up sloppy cutters work. Looking for opinions on the matter, what say you Paper Experts?
I would advise against it. Part of the character of some of the older "hand cut" notes is the less than perfect margins.
Trust me I get the character aspect, my main concern is are people able to tell if I do trim it back some, and does that effect the value? Also, would a TPG note something like that. Basically if I can get away with trimming it I would like to for my own eye and enjoyment, but if its like cleaning coins, then I wouldnt really bother as I dont want to damage it or hurt its value. I just dont enjoy that jagged edge.
Leave it exactly as it is. Trimming can be detected because it "will not look right" and the edge will be cleaner/sharper where it was trimmed than the rest of the edge. Trimming is considered damage and will adversely affect its value. If the jagged edge bothers you that much then find another with more eye appeal to you and trade this one for that one.
On machine cut notes, don't trim. Hand cut notes - I say that is up to you. Just because someone was sloppy at the local bank doesn't mean you have to live with it. That said, on notes like the one you posted, the hand cut line is to be expected and does not reduce the value - per se.
Thats what I was feeling too, and I realize that the jagged edge doesnt take away from the value, but for me it takes away from the eye appeal. All of the other borders are fairly even and nice, and just that bottom left piece is bothering me. I suppose these arent particularly rare and it would just be up to my preference. I just hate to 'ruin' a note for future collectors.
I deleted the other fully cropped photo, this picture more realistically shows what I want it to look like after an actual cutting trim of that bottom left piece. Still feel the same @Peter T Davis?
I updated the picture Peter to reflect what I actually want it to look like. I dont even want a full bottom edge trim, I just want to cut away that left 2 inches that was hanging absurdly low and had part of the next note border on it.
I agree with Pete, It looks better to me as it is, but it is your note, if you want to trim it, write your name on it, or use it to light a cigar it is your choice.
It doesn't look as bad now. I still would agree with @Ed Sims though and say sell it and buy one that you like better instead of altering it.
With high grade notes that have sharp clean edges, it's not always possible to determine if the note was trimmed. For an old note like this, chances are there is some wear to the edge fibers that would give it away. Personally I agree with the OP that the note looks better with straight edges, but I agree with the rest that it should not be trimmed. Sell it and buy another if it bothers you.
