PREV ARTICLE
NEXT ARTICLE
FULL ISSUE
PREV FULL ISSUE
QUERY: BANKNOTE GRADING, STAMPS AND OVERSTAMPSOn a related topic, Kavan Ratnatunga writes: I assume if a laminated currency note was sent for grading it will be returned as unable to grade as mutilated. But I was amazed to find recently on sale on eBay attached PMG 64 certified US$2 note which had a UN and a US postage stamp affixed with ink cancellations. I don't understand the grading logic - isn't this also a mutilated currency note? The question I have is how a mutilated currency note can be Uncirculated.    Well, a grading service will grade almost anything you pay them to - witness the recent trend to certify the WORST examples of various coins. But in this case, few collectors would
consider this a mutilated note. These postal cancellations aren't everyone's cup of tea, but they are collectible. And just as with coins, condition is based on the item itself and any
visible wear or damage - actual prior handling is irrelevant if there is no physical evidence of it. -Editor
Kavan adds: I have even found red faded on front maybe washed clearly dirty and VF condition at back that have been certified as PMG AU50. it seems grading is just a commercial enterprise not supporting numismatics but auctions to the gullible.   The phrase Caveat Emptor is just as valid today as it was when it was coined. -Editor
 Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
|