My first Paper Purchases

Hi all,

A few days ago I posted about purchasing some paper money and actually pulled the trigger yesterday. I tried to purchase notes that were either in nice condition or I really liked - or both. I know nothing of paper money so I was trying to remember things I had tried to read up on.

Here are the purchases - sorry if the photos suck - I tried a bunch of different things before I got something halfway decent. Any bluring in the photos is definitely from me and not the bills. The one note, I left in the holder just because I want to replace the holder and didn't want to chance messing anything up. I have no clue on grading and associated values, I have to look them up I guess so if you could offer your opinion on either, I would appreciate it.

50 cent fractional 1875 - front



50 cent fractional 1875 - back


1840 - $2 Globe Bank New York


1923 Red Seal - front



1923 Red Seal - back


1899 Silver - Front


1899 Silver - Back


1896 Silver - Front


1896 Silver - Back

 

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Looks like you got some decent notes for your first purchase. Are all of the notes yellow, or is that just from the camera?

 

All of the notes are generally the same color which I would describe as more tan than yellow. They are certainly note the white color in your avatar and they're against a plain white sheet of computer paper for the contrast. To me, they just have an old money look haha.

After looking at them again, I think they fall somewhere in the middle. They are not the yellow color they appear as in these photos but they aren't like yours. I think part of it is the lighting and camera. However - since I had no idea on the value I based everyone on what I would be ok paying. It's funny because color isn't something I even considered, just the physical state of the paper.

 

You've got some nice notes there! I suspect you paid a pretty penny for some of them - I'd get yourself some info on pricing before you go too far with the wallet

The photos look like a white balance issue - camera set to "outdoors" or "auto" but shots taken under tungsten lights.

Dave

 

I put the camera in document setting and took the photos under kitchen lights. I was holding them up against a white sheet of paper and off the counter - in the air. I have to work on my photography of everything - I suck at it in general. Before I buy anything else, I'll have to get read up much more. I think I did fine on the prices - but who knows until I figure out what condition their in...

 

hmmm...I wonder if better pictures could be had if you sat them under a light, or used a flash from a camera. I think some of the color issues is from the kitchen light's hue. You can place them on a table with the ****e sheet of paper under them for contrast and probably get a better idea.

I only say this because sometimes when notes look more tan/yellow, they coould be worth less than guide price based on their appearance alone.

 

The best light would be outside, but aside from shooting raw, you could take a photo of a white sheet of paper (technically 18% gray is best) under the current lighting and apply it to a custom white balance template. Refer to your camera instructions on that.

Niceeee notes! If you payed under five bills for that education note, I will literally flush a five dollar star note in protest, and crap a coconut! ;p

 

That might hurt but you're the one who suggested it. From the top - $20, $20, $25, $25, $200

There were a few other notes that were the same as these (the 1923 and 1899 - some from the same year were different colors - blue and black maybe??). I wish I knew more about the notes before I saw them.

 

That's $390 well spent! I think the 1896 Educational Series note alone may be worth more than $390.

 

Very nice pickups. They are all awesome.

 

You got all of those for $390? You practically stole them... Nice pickups!

 

WOW! In coin terms, you just scored some uncirculated Carson City Morgans for $20 bucks! Nice going!
I would buy everything they had, and do some freaking flipping!

 

Thanks guys - glad to hear I did good. I didn't plan on buying anything to flip it to be honest. I figured that I had an opportunity to but stuff at a price I was happy with. The price was actually $290 for all 5 notes.

Do you guys recommend any specific type of holder for them? Right now they're in just plastic sleeves but I'm not a big fan - at least not of the ones I have currently.

 

Really nice collection. All is awesome

 

I'm not saying to flip, but I agree to buy everything they have for those prices!

 

He could flip a couple commons, and everything else would be free. I've had a few deals before, but nothing like this! Ever!

 

Very very nice notes. All but one appear to be in very good condition. Nice sharp corners. I don't collect US currency but I think that Educational note
is worth way more than what you paid for the entire lot. Congratulations.

The medal was photographed in the light box constructed of a cardboard box lined with computer paper and white tissue paper lining the cut outs on each side.
Note the the medal has a yellow tint. The background is a sheet of white computer paper but it photographed yellow I tried different
light balance settings and need to find the right setting.

 

Don't know how to grade paper either , but you have a fine eye for beautiful notes . I'd buy anyone of them and I'm picky . Nice pickups .

 

great job, buy more

 

Ok so I've been trying to figure out what some of these notes would grade. I've been reading the descriptions on PCGS and old currency website, as well as looking at examples of different grades of the notes. Sometimes I think the notes I have are in much nicer condition but maybe not as bright and white colored. Othertimes I think the notes of the same grade may be slightly nicer than the examples I have.

Anyone care to throw out a best guess?

Also are there any specific types of holders you would recommend for storing these?