- UNCIRCULATED - UNC: Crisp and clean as issued
and without any folds, creases, blemishes or
discolouration. Colours have original hue and
brightness. Some issues may have ripples (as made).
Mention must be made if the design is not perfectly
centered with usual width of margins. Premiums may be
applied to the more desireable exceptionally centred and
strongly embossed notes. Uncirculated notes of the
Canadian Journey issue with the added security features
may be expected to show a small indentation where the
holograph strip meets the edge of the note. The
indentations are believed to result from resistance
during cutting into single notes.
- ABOUT UNCIRCULATED - AU: Similar to
Uncirculated but with the allowance of a light fold
(usually a vertical center fold) or two or three very
light counting folds, but not both. Counting creases
resulting in broken paper fibres, or any other creases,
reduce the grade depending on their number and severity.
The practice of using "almost" and "about" to designate
a slightly lower or a plus in the case of lower grades
to designate in-between grades is common, e.g. "almost
AU" or "EF plus". Notes not perfectly centered with
width of margins must be so described.
- EXTREMELY FINE - EF: Similar to Almost
Uncirculated but the centre fold, vertical or
horizontal, may be a crease, i.e. paper fibres are
broken, or there may be up to three heavy counting folds
(not creases) or two light creases, but no combination
of the above. There should be almost no evidence of
wear, soiling or blemishes. The centering and margins if
not perfect must be noted.
- VERY FINE - VF: A fairly crisp and clean
note. It may have several major and minor creases and
folds, and some evidence of wear especially along the
edges or at the corners. There may be some slight
decrease in hue and intensity of the colours. The design
in the creases should not be worn off.
- FINE - F: A note with considerable evidence
of circulation. Numerous creases and folds, but a small
degree of firmness remaining. Usually fairy soiled and
the hue and intensity of the colour are slightly
reduced. There may be a slight amount of the design worn
off along the major creases.
- VERY GOOD - VG: A heavily circulated note but
with all the major design still visible. Usually limp
with no crispness or firmness, quite soiled, hue and
intensity of the colour will be faded or altered. A
moderate amount of the design may be worn off along the
major creases or in the "counting crease" areas.
Numerous other defects may apply [see list below].
- GOOD - G: Soft and very limp, often with
tears and small pieces missing. Usually some of the
major design is worn off. Note may be quite dark in
appearance. Manuscript signatures, dates and sheet
numbers may be faint or unreadable. Usually has numerous
tears and other defects.
- FAIR - F: Similar to Good, but larger pieces
missing. Manuscript signatures, dates and sheet numbers
may be worn off or entirely faded out. Often has
numerous tears and other defects.
- POOR - P: As a Fair note, but with a major
portion of the note torn off or the design obliterated.
Often numerous tape repairs. Generally collectable only
because of rarity.
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