Paper currency grading is the process of determining the grade or condition of a bank note, one of the key factors in determining its value. A banknotes grade is generally determined by crispness (Rigid not limp paper), brightness, and depth of color. Other factors that are taken into consideration include centering of the printed area, artificially suppressed folds, repairs, and pinholes. Certification services professionally grade banknotes for tiered fees.
United States
United States banknotes are graded by a system much like the 70 point Sheldon coin grading scale which is used for coins. Top quality grades include "Gem" or "Choice" condition which is usually dubbed as "New" by sellers down to "poor" for notes barely identifiable. Notes that are in a condition that is less than "Fine" are usually shunned as they can be ugly to behold, an extremely rare or unique notes would be exceptions to this.