Banknote Certification Service Ltd.
991 Victoria Street North
Kitchener, ON, Canada
N2B 3C7

Phone: (519) 579-4011
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am - 5pm
E-Mail: sbell@banknotecertification.com


Admin Login
How To Submit Grading Standards Our Holder Our Holders Definitions Population Check
  Home - The 'UNC' Grades

 

The "UNC" Grades

For something to be designated in uncirculated condition, as the name suggests, it must show no signs of circulation. This does not mean that the note is perfect. An Uncirculated note can have problems such as flicks, counting creases, cutting cups, printer ink smears, band marks, miss-aligned printing, and imperfect cutting.

These problems, henceforth known as imperfections, happen within the printing and administrative process of making the note. Because of their frequent occurrence, an allowance has been made for their existence which determines the following degrees of UNC. Every degree of UNC is a clean, crisp, and note with the firmness of the paper completely in tact.

“Perfect UNC” - 68

This highest level of Uncirculated is to have no problems with it what-so-ever. More over, it is to have absolutely no room for improvement. It is to have perfect, original paper quality and strongly exhibits all of the following:
  • Exceptional Centering
  • Perfectly square cut
  • Perfectly straight edge cutting
  • Strong embossing
  • Bright, rich colours
  • Free of printer ink errors

    Note: This designation is extremely rare

"GEM UNC" - 65/66/67

For a note to fall under the Gem UNC category it must have perfect paper quality and be reasonably centered. Perfect paper quality requires that the note is original and has not been processed. Furthermore, it requires the absence of any imperfections such as flicks, counting creases, cutting cups, band marks, or rounded corners. This is a strict rule for all Gem UNC grades.

The variance between Gem UNC-65 and Gem UNC-67 depends on the amount and degree of the following desirable qualities. Exceptional Centering

  • Perfectly square cut
  • Perfectly straight edge cutting
  • Strong embossing
  • Bright, rich colours
  • Free of printer ink smears

"CHOICE UNC" - 62/63/64

The Choice UNC range is a balance of minor imperfections and desirable qualities. For example, if a note lacks the strict requirement of perfect paper quality, it cannot lie within the Gem UNC grades. A strong exhibition of desirable qualities, however, may ensure a grade of Choice UNC-64.

"UNC" - 60

This is the lowest grade a note can go before it is deemed circulated. It exhibits several allowable imperfections and next to no desirable qualities. The note still shows no signs of true circulation.


Back
Copyright © 2022 Banknote Certification Service Ltd.
Home | Contact Us | Pricing Structure | Copyright Statement