Frequently Asked Questions

PMG will not grade notes that are counterfeit, are of questionable authenticity or have been altered. Most notes that are issued for reasons other than socioeconomic exchange are not eligible for PMG certification and PMG will not grade checks, stocks or satire and advertisement scrip. In addition, PMG maintains a list of specific note types that are not eligible for PMG certification. Learn more >

Unless requested otherwise by the customer on the submission form, PMG will generally encapsulate notes in the smallest possible holder if doing so allows them to fit in one of PMG’s standard holder sizes. For example, a vertically oriented note will be encapsulated in a horizontally oriented PMG standard holder if it will fit. Notes that require the PMG Oversize Holder or Custom Holder will generally be encapsulated according to the note’s orientation.

If PMG graders believe that a note is likely not genuine, but its research is inconclusive, the note will be labeled "Questionable Authenticity" and not encapsulated. In most instances, the full grading fee will be refunded. However, notes without serial numbers, unique serial numbers or identifiable serial numbers, as well as notes with a block number only, will be assessed a small processing fee. Examples of these notes include, but are not limited to, select Specimens, Proofs, Essays, Fractional Currency, US Remainders and regular issue notes with block numbers only.

For more information, click here.

An Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) note is, in the opinion of PMG graders, completely original. EPQ notes will not have been physically, chemically or materially processed to give the appearance of a higher grade. Notes exhibiting normal wear-and-tear for their grade are eligible. All notes graded Very Fine 25 and higher will be evaluated for the EPQ designation. Notes must qualify for the EPQ designation to grade Gem Uncirculated 65 and higher.

PMG assigns its trademarked Star () Designation to notes that have exceptional eye appeal for their assigned numeric grade. For a note to be designated with a Star () by PMG, it must exhibit exceptionally strong plate and/or overprint embossing, vibrant ink color, and pristine paper quality exceeding the well-established standards used to determine the Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) Designation.

All US and world notes are automatically evaluated for the distinction of the PMG () Star Designation. Notes that do not qualify for the EPQ Designation will be disqualified from receiving the Star Designation.

Notes graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 70 must also qualify for the PMG Star () and EPQ Designations.

The NET designation indicates a note that has problems that are more severe than can be reflected by the note’s assigned numeric grade. If a note receives the NET designation, the severe problem or problems will be listed. The grade portion of the PMG Guarantee does not apply to Notes given a NET designation by PMG. Notes with the NET designation are guaranteed to be genuine only.

A pedigree describes the current and/or past ownership of a note. It notates the collector or collectors who have previously owned a particular note. For example, a note from the collection of Drs. Edward and Joanne Dauer may be pedigreed “Drs. Edward and Joanne Dauer” or “Dauer” on the PMG certification label. PMG will pedigree notes to significant collectors or collections if sufficient documentation is provided. Pedigrees can also be used to describe hoards. A submitter may request that their own name or the name of a collection be listed as the pedigree on the PMG certification label, subject to PMG’s approval.

PMG offers a free Appearance Review service in the event that someone believes that a PMG-certified note is overgraded. Notes that are reviewed and downgraded by PMG are covered by the comprehensive PMG Guarantee of grade and authenticity. To read the full PMG Guarantee, click here.

If you believe your PMG-certified note is undergraded, you may submit it to PMG under the “ReGrade” service tier. An applicable grading tier must also be selected.

When a submission is received by PMG it is opened by trained staff under security cameras. Each note is entered into PMG’s proprietary system and assigned a unique identification numbered with a barcode that is used to track the note throughout the PMG grading process. At this stage, the notes are separated from the submission paperwork so that the PMG graders never know the submitter’s identity, which ensures impartiality.

Notes are then transferred to the PMG grading room, where multiple professional graders carefully examine each note. After grading, notes are encapsulated in PMG’s archival-quality holder designed for long-term preservation and protection.

After encapsulation, notes are returned to the PMG grading room for a final inspection.

Finally, the notes are matched up to the original submission form and brought to PMG’s shipping department. Every note is individually counted and checked against the submission paperwork to make certain that no mistakes occurred. Notes are then securely packaged in a sturdy cardboard box and are now ready to be sent back to the submitter.

PMG headquarters is a secure 6,000-square-meter purpose-built facility with two large vaults, a staff of armed guards and more than 150 security cameras. Submissions to PMG are opened under security cameras and each note is immediately assigned a unique identification number that is used to track it throughout every stage of PMG's grading process. All notes are fully insured while in PMG's possession and are handled only by trained staff.

Gloves make it more difficult to examine a note and increase the likelihood of it being torn or mishandled. It is widely accepted within numismatics that a note should be held with clean, dry hands and without gloves.

Similarly, librarians who handle rare books are generally discouraged from wearing gloves due to the increased likelihood of tearing a page or otherwise damaging a book. The US Library of Congress, for example, states that “contrary to widespread belief, gloves are not necessarily recommended to handle rare or valuable books…it is generally preferable to handle your books with clean hands, washed with soap and thoroughly dried, rather than with gloves.” Extensive research on this subject is available online.

No. PMG does not buy, sell or appraise notes in order to maintain their independence. PMG is focused on providing expert and impartial assessments of authenticity and grade.

At this time, NGC India accepts submissions from Authorized Dealers only. NGC India Authorized Dealers can log in at PMGnotes.in to track the status of their submission.

No. Once a note is removed from a PMG holder, the PMG Guarantee no longer applies. This is because PMG cannot account for where that note has been, what if anything has been done to it, and for the overall subjective nature of note grading itself.

PMG attributes most world paper money according to "Pick" catalog numbers described in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money. These catalogs are continually updated by Krause Publications and, on occasion, some catalog numbers are changed. As a result, some PMG-certified notes are encapsulated with a label that has an outdated Pick catalog number.

Changes to the Pick catalog numbers are completely outside of PMG's control and PMG therefore cannot be responsible for notes that are no longer correctly attributed on the PMG label due to a later Pick numbering change. When attributing notes, PMG will use the most current Pick catalog numbers in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.

A free membership entitles you to access all features of NGC India's website, PMGnotes.in, and to receive its latest news and announcements. To join, visit PMGnotes.in/join. At this time, NGC India does not accept paid Collector memberships. You can submit to PMG in India through Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India.

You can submit to PMG in India through Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India.

PMG’s headquarters is a secure 6,000-square-meter purpose‐built facility in Sarasota, Florida, USA. PMG also has submission offices in Munich, Germany, London, Hong Kong, China and Shanghai, China as well as Official Submission Centers in India, the UK, the Netherlands, China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia

PMG can be contacted by mail, telephone, fax or email.

India
NGC India Numismatic Services Private Limited
[email protected]

United States
PMG
P.O. Box 4755
Sarasota, FL 34230
United States
1-877-PMG-5570 toll free
+1 941 309 1001
+1 941 309 1002 fax
[email protected]

China – Hong Kong SAR
CCG Hong Kong Ltd.
Suites 1208-10, 12/F, Tower 1,
The Gateway, Harbour City,
25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
+852 2115 3639
+852 2115 3783 fax
[email protected]

China – Mainland
NGC Shanghai Business Information Consulting Co., Ltd.
Unit 1101-41, Shanghai Central Plaza,
381 Huaihai Middle Road,
Shanghai, China 200020
(+86) 400 635 8226 toll free
(+86) 21 6091 2581 fax
[email protected]

Germany
Certified Collectibles Group - International GmbH
Seidlstrasse 28,
80335 Munich, Germany
+49 (0) 89 550 66 780
[email protected]

United Kingdom
Certified Collectibles Group - International UK Limited
69 Southampton Row, Second Floor
Bloomsbury
WC1B 4ET
London, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 3968 3848
+44 (0) 20 3968 3849 fax
[email protected]

You can submit to PMG in India through Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India.

Contact Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India, for submission forms.

PMG's grading fees are generally based on a note's fair market value and the submitter's desired turnaround time. For a comprehensive list of all PMG grading tiers, service tiers, fees and requirements in India contact Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India.

PMG grading tiers are primarily organized based on the note's value and, in some cases, the note's type. The higher-priced tiers offer higher maximum value limits while the lower-priced tiers have lower maximum value limits. There are also some tiers that are discounted for select note types, such as a tier for modern notes. You can choose the appropriate tier based on the note's value, the desired turnaround time and any special tier requirements. For a comprehensive list of all PMG grading tiers, service tiers, fees and requirements in India contact Marudhar Arts or Todywalla Auctions, Official Submission Centers in India.

PMG uses the submitter's declared value to insure the note while it is in its care and, when applicable, in transit between PMG facilities. The note's value also determines the PMG grading tier. Since PMG guarantees the authenticity and grade of notes that it certifies, it charges a higher fee for more valuable notes. For more information, read the Declared Value Policy.

PMG does not value or appraise notes but it does provide a price guide on its website to help collectors approximate their note's value.

PMG World Paper Money Price Guide