On a few occasions I have read some collectors writing about paper wave. They speak of it as if it's something good. I always thought the flatter the better, so long as the paper was crisp and unaltered. So what is this paper wave thing that seems to be desirable?
Unless it occurs as part of the production process, and is therefor an error enhancing it's value, it's post production damage and can't be considered positive or good. I have never heard it described any other way.
Most notes printed in France in the 20th C. have a natural wave in the paper. If you find such a note that's perfectly flat, it's been pressed.
When referring to US paper money, paper wave was a product of the wet printing process that was used by the BEP until the early 1950s. It is considered a sign of originality on the paper if a note exhibits paper wave. It is not an error.
I can't say I have ever run across one. I am prone to collect large size currency. Is this something related to just the small sized notes?
Over 10 pages of notes sold at Heritage with paper wave in the decription....both large and small size. http://currency.ha.com/c/search-res...kNotSold=0&Ntk=SI_Titles&Nty=1&Ntt=paper+wave
It is tough to get old guys. As soon I thought about it a little more, the words WEB Offset Printing came to mind. Bells, whistles and sirens went off in my head. I think I have watched this process demonstrated by the mint at every ANA Money Show I have attended. The mind comes and goes when you least expect it. Thank goodness it still comes back for me and this condition isn't permanent......yet. :>)
