So I'm wanting to expand my collecting into US paper currency, but would like to do it by reading about it first. What are some good reference or reads on getting into US paper currency? I'm interested in silver and gold certificates, modern notes and confederate paper so anything covering any of those areas would be much appreciated.
Even a priceguide for confederate currency is hard to come by. I found a couple sites with the different bills listed but they want you to send them a picture to hear their offer...nope. I haven't done too much research I really just started looking into it a week or so ago. I figured this place has enough people that know a ton about coinage that a few may be able to lead me in the right direction.
Out of all of the guides and reference books I own concerning U.S.paper money, the Whitman Encyclopedia of U.S.Paper Money by Q.David Bowers is the most comprehensive. Tons of color photos, history, in an easy to use format. Does not cover any Confederate notes. The book has pricing information for several grades but use the price guide as just that, a general guide. https://www.amazon.com/Whitman-Ency...ords=whitman+encyclopedia+of+u.s.+paper+money
The Comprehensive Catalog of US Paper Money by Hessler and Chambliss (2006) has excellent text for a beginner. For Confederate notes you will need a specialized Confederate catalog. Online sources are not going to be as comprehensive as books.
How about joining the Society of Paper Money Collectors and then reading their Journal articles archives? www,spmc.com
Here’s a few volumes in my library Paper Money of the United States, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money, 10th edition, John Schwartz and Scott Lindquist The Obsolete Currency of Virginia, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, Charles J. Affleck (autographed) Standard Catalog of United States Obsolete Bank Notes (4 Volumes) James A. Haxby Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money, (Vol. 1-6) Q. David Bowers == note: more volumes to come for this one == Obsolete Bank Notes of Pennsylvania, D. C. Wismer Obsolete Bank Notes of New York, D. C. Wismer Obsolete Bank Notes of Ohio, D. C. Wismer The Art of Paper Currency, Martin Monestier
Thank you @SteveInTampa @lettow @SchwaVB57 @Dollarsavr and @techwriter that gives me a good bit to start with. For US notes what series would you say is good to start with as far as learning the grading of notes? I.e. for coins it seems like the common example is a Morgan. Or is it a different animal entirely because you may be looking at the quality of the paper rather than just print missing?
The money in your pocket is probably the best place to start to learn grading. Pay attention to its condition, note the folds, wave, defects, etc. Look at it from the side and through it with a bright LED light to look for hidden folds, etc. Looking at TPG graded notes in person will also help. Nothing wrong with being a tire kicker to gain experience.
This is the best, of all sources. Not exactly the most comprehensive, of course, but for whatever area of Paper Money you are into, there is a book for that which is way more in depth for your subject. If you join PCGS they give you this book with a silver level membership.
The first of the library via Amazon for $36. I also grabbed the 1957 blue seal set (F1619,1619*,1620,1620*,1621,1621*) in UC for under $50 to start the collection and have reference material while reading. I'm a hands on learner so tangible aids along with the illustrations should help me retain what I obtain better. That and I've always been a fan of silver certificates and this seemed like an affordable entry point into the hobby.
I saw that the other day while on their site. You now need gold membership to get the book but I figure I'll probably go that route anyway since I'm really getting the membership for the grading submittals.
Do you need to be a member of PCGS to be able to submit coins for grading? It seems I saw the same thing on the NGC site, being a member allows you to submit coins, but can't you just get coins graded without being a member? Of either NGC or PCGS? I'm confused. And does becoming a member of either club get you FREE submissions? Or are you still paying ~$18-$20 or so per coin plus having to be a member to submit a coin for grading?
@D-Train For coin grading questions you'll probably get more responses in the coin chat area of the forum. But to answer your questions no, no, it depends and yes. I haven't joined either yet, but you need to be a member to submit coins. For both NGC and PCGS the basic level doesn't include any free grades, it just allows you to submit. The pricier levels include free grades, but, from what I've been told, you wait a while to get your coins back. Depending on the coin itself it may be more expensive than $20ish to grade, but if you check each TPGs site you will find the membership levels and their benefits, and also the pricing sheets that tell you your options as far as turnaround time and special add on services. Also note that if you are a paper collector and wish to grade notes, even though you may be a member of PCGS you would need a PCGSCurrency membership and the same rules apply. Same for NGC and PMG. It sounds like a racket, and it probably is, but it is what it is.
By saying it is a racket I meant for one needing to pay for a membership in order to pay for services. Like Costco, but without any real savings. But I had a feeling that was the PCGS/Currency relationship. Just looking at the websites you can see an obvious difference. That and when I emailed either about the other I got no response. "If I become a PCGS platinum member could I use half of my free grades for paper grades?" "........." "Great, thank you. I can't wait to get my free shirt and submit my coins to wait 6 months to see them again."
I'm pretty sure if you join the American Numismatic Association, you get submission rights to both NGC and PMG.
