I been really wanting to get one of these. Found one in a decent price for the grade, but the paper looks wrinkled. I can't imagine it would have been graded About Uncirculated if the paper was wrinkled prior to grading. So do you think this was a result of being stored improper? 1899 Black Eagle
Remember that the large-size notes were printed on damp paper (to keep the paper from tearing under the pressure of the intaglio plates) and then dried before the sheets were cut into single notes. So there are plenty of CU notes that show this kind of paper wave. Some collectors like it because it's a sign of originality; other collectors prefer notes that look flat like modern currency--though for large-size notes, flatness often indicates that the note has been washed and pressed.
That note is a dandy. As others have said, paper wave is the norm on those big old notes. The crease is what gave it the 53 I assume. At least it's not a dirty crease. I would make him an offer.
I didn't see a "Make Offer" option, although I guess you could message the seller and try to communicate an offer. It's actually not a bad price for this Fr.232 in 53PPQ condition. Most sell for $300 and up with a *PQ designation.
The note shows natural paper wave, which is fine but not the issue. The centering on both sides is poor - I would pass. Remember that centering, a critical issue in grading MS notes, is not a factor in grading circulated notes. This is well below-average.
You will find a vast majority of notes from this era with centering issues Basically i try for a minimum grade of 53PPQ, this grade is usually easy On the eyes as well as the wallet, especially on the older notes as the Prices seem to go overboard from there.
I do it all the time and have gotten great deals on stuff that has been floating about the bay for a while. Can't hurt to ask, right? Although I did have one guy respond with a "No. Please never contact me again." It made me go back and make sure I didn't miss a figure in the offer I presented. Nope, the guy must have been insulted. Oh well.
By all means, allot of times the seller will offer you some sort of discount all you have to do is ask
You're right. I do disagree, however, with @mpcusa's comment that the "vast majority of notes from this era have centering issues." Hardly so.
The sophistication of the printing was different so you will have less quality notes Out there, be it from centering issues or anything that has to do with the over all grade of the note.
