Diane P. asks: What does unc or unc+ mean as far the worth of the currency? It appears I have a $20 Bill that was printed on replacement paper but if it falls in one of those categories, it’s worth more. Can you help me? Thank you.
Uncirculated means no folds or bends or dirt smudges and the note must have 4 sharp corners. The notes will be crisp with no waviness to the paper. Superior uncirculated pieces (choice or gem) have better centering and brighter colors and a very deep sharp raised impression. Notes with waviness are essentially AU (about uncirculated) and are worth about $30. Those below this grade are currently worth their face value.
The “+” sign was used to show that higher prices are possible. The prices in the “What’s my Paper Money Worth?” tables are very general. They are designed to help those that do not know how to grade get an approximate value for their material.
Note: If you find notes with a star by the serial number, this is a “replacement note”, that is, a note that replaced a damaged note at the Bureau of Engraving. These are frequently (but not always) worth a great deal more (approximately $250 for an Uncirculated 1950 $20 FRN * replacement).
Store the notes in individual Mylar or acetate currency holders (available by mail order or possibly from your local coin shop). DO NOT USE HOLDERS THAT CONTAIN PVC. PVC holders are very flexible and have an almost white haze to them. They will emit hydrogen-sulfide gas and, over a short time, will destroy paper currency (or coins).
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