PMG Releases Designations

PMG offers several special designations to capture the excitement of newly issued paper money. These designations – such as Early Releases, First Releases and First Day of Issue – add distinction on the PMG certification label for select notes received by PMG within a specified timeframe.

PMG Releases Designations should not be confused with grade-modifying designations such as Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) or the PMG Star () Designation. See the PMG Grading Scale for more information about these designations.

Early Releases and First Releases

PMG offers the Early Releases and First Releases designations for select notes received by PMG or a PMG-approved depository within 30 days of the first release of a new paper money issue. The terms Early Releases or First Releases will be noted as part of the note description on the PMG label. Early Releases and First Releases are interchangeable and the same definition and relevant cutoff dates applies to each term.

To qualify for Early Releases or First Releases, a note must generally be received by PMG or a PMG-approved depository within the first 30 days of the note’s release. PMG maintains a list of Early Releases and First Releases cutoff dates for notes on this website.

A submitter wishing to have a note designated with the Early Releases or First Releases designation must indicate this request on the PMG submission form, and additional fees generally apply for the special label and designation verification.

In certain markets, PMG may offer bilingual Early Releases and First Releases labels. The same Early Releases and First Releases definition, cutoff dates and PMG Registry treatment will apply.

FAQs: Early Releases and First Releases

What notes are eligible for Early Releases or First Releases?

PMG will generally post an article in the News section of its website to announce a note’s eligibility for Early Releases or First Releases. In addition, a list of eligible notes and cutoff dates is posted here.

How do I submit notes for Early Releases or First Releases?

Notes may be submitted by selecting an appropriate PMG grading tier and requesting either Early Releases or First Releases. Only select notes are eligible for Early Releases or First Releases. See a list of eligible cutoff dates here.

What are the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

For a list of cutoff dates, click here.

What is a release date and how does PMG determine the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

PMG calculates the cutoff date for Early Releases and First Releases based on the 'release date'. A release date is the day that a new paper money issue is first released from an issuing authority. In some cases, the issuing authority posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day an issuing authority posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day an issuing authority actually makes new paper money issue available. The release date is not always the same as the sale date since some issuing authorities may offer notes for sale before they are released.

For a list of cutoff dates, click here.

Do notes need to be accompanied by the original packaging?

No, notes do not need to be accompanied by original packaging, but they must arrive before the cutoff dates posted on the PMG website. However, for notes being designated Early Releases or First Releases based on being part of a particular set released by an issuing authority, a different requirement may apply. (See further questions below.)

How many Early Releases and First Releases notes has PMG graded?

Early Releases and First Releases are listed separately in the PMG Population Report beneath a non-designated issue.

Are Early Releases and First Releases notes eligible for inclusion in the PMG Registry?

Yes, Early and First Releases notes are eligible for inclusion in the popular PMG Registry. Early Releases and First Releases notes receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

First Day of Issue

PMG offers the First Day of Issue designation for select notes that are purchased within one day of the first day that a new paper money issue is made available for sale. In some cases, PMG may require a minimum submission quantity for notes to receive the First Day of Issue designation. An article with submission instructions and grading fees will generally be posted to the PMG website prior to an eligible note’s release. In all cases, the First Day of Issue designation is available only by special request and will require a higher grading fee.

To qualify for First Day of Issue, notes must be purchased within one day of the first day that a new paper money issue is made available for sale and must be received by PMG or a PMG-approved depository within one week of the release date. PMG will require that the submitter provide adequate evidence (including purchase receipts) to demonstrate the date when the notes were purchased.

FAQs: First Day of Issue

How many First Day of Issue notes has PMG graded?

First Day of Issue is listed separately in the PMG Population Report beneath the non-designated issue.

Are First Day of Issue notes eligible for inclusion in the PMG Registry?

Yes, First Day of Issue notes are eligible for inclusion in the popular PMG Registry. First Day of Issue notes receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

What notes are eligible for the First Day of Issue designation?

Only certain notes and/or sets will be designated First Day of Issue by PMG. When this designation is available for a particular note an article will generally be posted to the PMG website with submission instructions.