I've recently started to develop an interest in US currency, but I really have no idea where to start. Are there any books that are must haves? Also, is CGA a reputable grading company? From what I can tell so far PCGS and PMG definitely seem to be good, but I've been wrong before. Also, what is the best way to price notes? Are listed book values typically realistic? Sorry for so many questions. I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer. :hatch:
Wow you do have a lot of questions. Hope I can answer some before this storm knocks out my power (again). Where to start depends on you I would say. Are you looking small size (current since 1928), large size, fractionals, moderns? I started off with small size as that's what I could actually find in circulation. That led to older small size in higher grades etc. I own a few large size and fractionals as well as MPCs (military payment certificates). As for CGA I believe they were the first to grade currency and are a respected grader. PCGS jumped on that bandwagon to make more bucks in my opinion. I would assume that they are good but like I said I see it as an opportunity to make more money for them. I WOULD trust CGA. Please note I own NO slabbed currency though. As for pricing notes, once again ebay comes into play. Of course so does the overgraded garbage to be found there. Currency grading can be even MORE subjective than coin grading. Scary isn't it? Good books on the subject abound. Depends on what you settle on. I can suggest many once you do decide. Feel free to PM for suggestions. Welcome to currency. Hey, it's money too. clembo
Thanks Clembo! I am most interested in small size at the moment, although I do find quite a few of the large size notes fascinating as well, but I would like to start with small size first.
Hey Zaneman... How are you? How's PCGS treating you? I just made the switch about 1 year ago, although I do still purchase coins now and then. In my opinion, I started looking at the small size Federal Reserve Notes before the price swing hit's these as well. I love a lot of the older Large size Notes and Nationals but they can be in th 3-20K range depending on varaibles just a coins do. I would suggest you do an online search of what you are interested in and then purchase a book. Good luck and if I can help, shoot me a PM.. The Two Books I use most are; #1 Standard Guide to Small Size Paper Moneyy 1928 to Date Schwartz/Lindquist #2 United States Paper Money Friedburg/Bowers Regards, RickieB
Zane get yourself a copy of the Black book, I have found it invaluble as I knew nothing about US notes (Still dont LOL) I cant comment on the graded stuff as I think the same with notes as I did with coins, dont like them LOL I too have moved to primerily notes but still pick up a few coins here & there And of course most importantly Good luck and good hunting :thumb:
Hey Zaneman, Like a few others here I started off with coins. Got almost totally away from coins for a few years but missed them. Now I'm much heavier into coins again but that doesn't mean I don't keep an eye on my currency. Best of both worlds as I see it. Blackbook is a good book for the beginner. I also STRONGLY suggest The Standard Guide to Small Size U.S. Paper Money 1928 to date. Get the 7th edition by John Scwartz and Scott Lindquist. Lots of good information and retail prices on everything from ones through 100,000 dollar notes. The only thing it really doesn't cover is national notes and there are books on that subject as well. There will be some very confusing moments as you get into it. Currency is a totally different animal as it were but very fascinating once you start to understand it. More than just paper believe me! clembo
I have all of the books mentioned above and find them to be very helpful. Except when I'm flipping through the pages and find another must have I didn't know about before. It can get costly but with a little research you can avoid getting burned.
