I'll start by saying that I'm not a bill collector. I got my hands on two sets of two consecutive $50 bills. They seem in rather pristine shape, but I don't know if they're truly uncirculated or not. I'm wondering how much of a "wow" these actually are? I noticed older bills, in good shape, and with consecutive numbers, so I was impressed. But I'm easily impressed Is it worthwhile to send these in for grading? I'm pretty sure my PCGS membership covers bill submissions as well. Appreciate the help!
Other than them being a higher denomination than many collectors want, I'm sure there is a market for them above face value. Let's see what some of the currency experts say. @mpcusa, @SteveInTampa, others?
Appears to be a slight ink transfer. (United States of America on the front.) Not dark enough for $. I like the small heads. If they are super crisp a collector might need them. To me they are $50, because they are not old or rare, etc.
To me they are worthy of a wow and that they appear to be keepers. Others may be inclined to say, "No, they are too modern." In terms of being worthy to send off to be graded, look at the notes carefully. Do you see signs of having been folded or are they truly pristine and uncirculated? If the latter then you may see fit to send them off to be graded. If the former then place them into sleeves and enjoy them as they are.
I'm guessing not much of a premium. Here are two similar ones (also consecutive) that sold for $125 on eBay. After fees, the seller received $8-$12 over face value (depending on eBay store/shipping costs). https://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Serie...=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Very nice condition and a good find. The serial numbers are not special but they are in great shape. Not only crisp but no writing or teller stamps. All from the same run so I would think a small premium would go with them. Keep them safe and crisp.
Those rear margins are dead on ! easy 68 or even 69, the backs aren't as good but still a solid 67 in my opinion, I would say the last one would be your best chance just looks darker then the rest, which means more definition with out any issues always a bonus, the serial numbers wouldn't offer much of a premium either and spending the money to get them graded probably not going to get your money back, but they are in very good condition and if someone is looking for specifics may be you could make a small profit
Nice notes. The last of the small-portrait $50 notes. I believe they do have a small premium if they are uncirculated. The easiest way to detect folds and handling marks is with side lighting....as illustrated below.
Thanks, @SteveInTampa, I'll try to take a few additional photos with better lighting. Overall, sounds like these are neat bills to hold on to, but not quite enough for a down-payment on a new house Appreciate all the feedback folks! One last question: is a regular paper envelope appropriate storage for these bills?
Envelopes likely use bleached paper. Bleach is not good for currency storage. Non pvc currency sleeves are the best for long term storage.
I'm not a contemporary currency collector that being said they look washed out to me. Is that due to lighting or are they washed out?
Hmm seems all the sleeves I can find on Amazon are "high quality rigid PVC," like this one: https://smile.amazon.com/BCW-Currency-Topload-Regular-25-Count/dp/B000Q60EYU The description says "High-quality clear PVC does not migrate and will not harm your collectibles," but as with coins, PVC scares me a bit...
Those are good sleeves to use. If they were soft and thin you may run into a problem but the PVC will not leach as they are rigid. I've had notes stored in sleeves from this brand for over 10 years and they are doing quite well.
@NOS thanks for confirm! Slippery slope... I'm afraid this is the first step towards accidentally doubling my coin budget to include bills
@Dima check out this website. They are a dependable, one stop shop for all your currency and coin storage needs. https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/currency-supplies/ FYI: I have no affiliation or connection to them in any way.
My opinion of the notes is they are definitely keepers if they're uncirculated as they appear to be. Especially since you have consecutive serial numbers. As for value and whether they are worth grading... If you believe it is possible to get a grade of 67 (Superb Gem) but no worse than 65 (Gem), then yes I believe they are worth having graded. If they grade 65 or 66 I would say they're value is about $350 (sold together). Both 67 would be about $600 (sold together). EDIT: Another option is to put them in a sleeve and stash them away in a safe place to be graded (or sold ungraded) at a later date. The centering on them appear good enough to be Superb Gem. The question is the condition in hand. Hard to see things in photos.