A friend is selling this, and he wants $500. It has the look I want at the very top of the budget I can afford for this type, but it has a very small repair in the top margin. The note is EF otherwise. Go or no-go?
Oh, these are lovely. The Educational series is one of those things that could draw me into paper money, were I a deeper-pockets kinda guy. I'm not a currency guy, so I cannot render useful advice, but I will say I was expecting to see a far more heavily circulated note when I clicked in. OK, so this one has a minor problem, but it certainly looks pretty crisp and has nice edges and corners to my inexpert eyes. Can't speak to the price (I dunno, obviously), but it certainly looks like it has some nice eye appeal.
All depends on if you can live with it or not. If you think your going to be drawn to that repair every time you pull out that note, then I would pass. If you think it will not bother you that much and you will enjoy the note, then get it.
Are you able to provide photos of the note with side lighting ? A scan or flat photo doesn’t tell the whole story, as you can see with the above note. Folds and handling marks become visible with side lighting. As mentioned above, it’s a problem note and you will always know it’s a problem note. I always preach that unless it’s a very rare note, stay away from problem notes....they sell at a discount for a reason.
That is my fear as well. If it was $400, then I would be able to flip it without a loss if I decide I did not like it (I hate returning coin/currency just because I don’t like them). But at $500 there is no room for doubt. If the discoloration around the repair was not there, then it would hardly bother me at all. But alas it is there. That is my thought as well. I mainly collect coins, and I know from experience that I am always happier with a problem-free VF than a problem EF, even if the latter is cheaper. I am thinking that I will try to seek out a nice problem-free VF-30/35 with no ink wear or staining on the folds. It would be about the same price, maybe just a little more.
If you are a collector of U.S. Notes and you can take whatever repair you have on this bill and the price is OK then You take the step and do it. You are the person who should be happy with that note. If you can't, WALK AWAY from it.
If the note is as crisp as it looks, that price is prob OK. But as Steve in Tampa demonstrated, it could be hiding wrinkles, folds, stains. Why isn't this note in a graded holder? Oh that stain on the reverse is a concern. It looks like white out. Now $500 is too much.
my personal opinion would be to pass on it, any type of distraction like this (the repair) Would significantly affect the value on resale, many people want to buy "clean" notes or problem free ones just like yours truly, i think you would be better off buying VF45PPQ those are usually very attractive to look at and easier on the wallet Just my two cents.
Note looks processed and trimmed to me - top margin looks trimmed to hide most of the edge damage it had (possibly a wallet piece) but the part that went into the design was patched and redrawn. I'd avoid at that price (and at anything close to that price - this is a common note, regardless of demand, and can be had easily). You can get one without distraction that isn't a hack job like this note is... For instance...
I noticed that as well. The weird top margin made me suspicious. I have already decided that is what I want, a premium VF-30/35. I already have a dealer friend looking for one like that.
I think your better off in the end, just keep your eye out on ebay, and get the one that catches your eye You can always message me and i can put you in the right direction, more then happy to evaluate any possibilities for you, good luck with your search !