Expert Currency Grading Tips: Notes with Security Threads and Foils

During the past few years we have seen more and more notes with security threads and foils. Often notes with security threads are also seen with indentations on the surface of the finished note. Indentations can occur regardless of whether threads are wide or narrow.

While at first glance these indentations appear as a vertical fold on some notes, they are in fact caused during production. In this respect they are similar to the crimps seen on the top and bottom edges of some notes. As described in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money by Krause Publications, these crimps are caused in two ways: during the printing and packaging, or during the production and storage of the paper stock prior to printing. They are not created during circulation.

The occurrence of these vertical indentations will not prevent a note from being generally graded in the Uncirculated to Choice Uncirculated range depending upon the overall appearance of the note. In addition, the EPQ designation will not necessarily be removed from notes simply because indentations are present unless they are severe.