As collectors, we are accustomed to carefully inspecting every millimeter of a banknote in search of the slightest signs of wear. The appearance of modern complex security elements—wide metallic threads, holograms, and foil elements—has brought not only a new level of counterfeiting protection, but also considerable debate among numismatists. Many collectors mistakenly perceive technological manufacturing features as serious damage that lowers the grade.
Origin technology: why do indentations and creases appear?
During the production of paper and the printing of banknotes with wide security threads, the finished product often experiences local tension and pressure. As experts from the leading certification company PMG note in their official review, specific indentations frequently occur on the surface of such notes. At first glance, they may resemble a regular vertical fold, but they are formed exclusively during the manufacturing process. A similar situation applies to so-called "crimps"—characteristic creases on the upper or lower edges of the paper. According to data from the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, these features arise either at the stage of paper pulp manufacturing and storage or directly during printing and packaging. They are by no means a consequence of the currency note being in circulation.
Impact on grade and EPQ status
The main question that concerns numismatists: does a collectible specimen lose its high status due to such manufacturing nuances? Professional graders assure that the presence of such vertical indentations or edge creases does not prevent obtaining a high grade ranging from Uncirculated to Choice Uncirculated—it all depends on the overall visual condition of the specimen. Moreover, the coveted EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) status is not automatically revoked just because of the presence of such marks, provided they do not have a critical, excessive character. Understanding these technological nuances allows one to correctly assess the condition of collectible material and avoid false conclusions regarding its authenticity or quality.
Vitalii Cherniuk - CEO World Banknote Store
