PMG told me they couldn't grade and encapsulate this Colonial note because it is "too fragile". What are my options now?
There are many reasons to have net notes graded; in this case the note is very rare, a 1759 15 shillings note from NJ, look it up in the Friedberg book.
The last graded problem free VG8 only sold for $94 & that was with the juice. Definitely not warranted for certification in this condition IMO. But to answer your question if you want it in plastic try another service . If not PMG then PCGS or vice versa.
http://currency.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=141115&lotNo=32013 Apparently this is the real and actual note for comparison purposes. I picked it up at Sam Sloats for a C note, I have hardly yet to hear of anyone getting a deal there.
Most of the hard plastic slips for notes are better quality and protection than any grading encapsulation. Just be careful when inserting them, and good luck ever getting it out again in one piece.
Just don't push it tight against any one of the sides. Later, you can trim all four sides and lift the top of the slip off. I did this on a ticket with stub that was barely hanging together.