Can someone give me a general ideal of about what type of notes (large or small size and within which series) that would have natural paper wave to them from the BEP? Also which area of the note would have it most visible or often? Does it take away value from note if its very noticeable? Thanks....
I have never heard of a "natural' paper wave, at least on newly printed notes. The only way I can see this happening is if they were exposed to moisture or if the paper wrap around them or a similar problem with them being bundled and shrink wrapped to tightly. But nothing directly from the BEP.
From a Bank Note Reporter article: "When buying small-size notes, be aware that bills manufactured before 1957, as a general rule, were printed on plates using wet technology. As the notes dried they got a little crinkle to them, or paper wave—texture that can be seen when you examine the notes. Strong embossing is a good sign that a note is original. Look for embossing of the serial numbers on backs, in particular, and a strong seal imprint is also a good indicator of paper quality. Notes manufactured from 1957 onward, as in the case of $1 Silver Certificates, were printed with a dry technology that was obviously more efficient, as you did not need to wait for notes to dry before going to the next printing. The paper will be flat, with no real texture to it. They will exhibit embossing if they haven’t been pressed out and that is worth looking for to get some assurance that the note is original."
Paper wave will usually be seen in AU and UNC large size and small size prior to 1957. It typically affects the entire note.
