The importance of slabbing and certifying banknotes for your collection
Banknote slabbing and certification is a fundamental process for collectors and numismatic experts seeking to preserve the authenticity and value of their pieces. This procedure not only protects banknotes from deterioration, but also gives them an official certification that guarantees their state of conservation, condition, and authenticity, providing added value in collecting and investment.
What is banknote slabbing?
Slabbing and certifying banknotes consists of sealing them inside rigid, transparent capsules specifically designed for their conservation. These capsules protect the banknotes from external factors such as humidity, dirt and physical wear and tear. Acid-free, transparent, semi-rigid plastic is used to encapsulate certified banknotes. In addition, they include informative labels detailing key aspects such as the year of issue, country of origin, issuer, condition, watermark and Pick number (an identification code to classify banknotes of different issues and countries).
Benefits of encapsulating and certifying banknotes
Durable preservation: Encapsulation protects banknotes from external agents that could damage them.
Authenticity guarantee: Certification ensures that the banknotes have been evaluated by numismatic experts.
Increased value: Encapsulated and certified banknotes are becoming increasingly attractive to collectors and investors.
Preservation of historical pieces: The preservation of historically and materially valuable pieces is guaranteed.
Banknote certification process
NCV‘s banknote certification process follows a rigorous protocol to ensure the authenticity and condition of each piece:
- Receipt and initial verification: the banknotes sent are checked to ensure that they match the description provided on the delivery note by the client. The collector is informed of receipt and concordance with the delivery note.
- High-definition photography: The condition of each banknote is documented prior to analysis.
- Authenticity and condition analysis: The authenticity of the banknote is verified and its condition is determined using a specialized scale.
- Encapsulation and labeling: The banknote is encapsulated with state-of-the-art materials and a label is generated with its detailed characteristics.
- Registration and shipment: Certified banknotes are incorporated into our database. Each label has a unique alphanumeric code and QR code access. They are packaged for safe delivery.
How are banknotes graded?
NCV Grading uses a scale based on the Sheldon scale, but with an additional focus on paper and print quality. Our paper quality grading system has three levels of excellence:
1 star: Banknotes with heavy wear, heavy tears or obvious signs of restoration.
2 stars: Banknotes with imperfections such as visible stains or micro-perforations that affect their quality.
3 stars (TQP – Top Quality Paper): Banknotes in their original condition with no visible manipulation, with intense colors and noticeable reliefs.
This method guarantees a rigorous and detailed evaluation of each certified banknote.
Banknote encapsulation and certification is an essential practice for any collector who wishes to preserve the integrity of their pieces and ensure their authenticity. Thanks to this process, banknotes not only maintain their value, but also become highly coveted collector’s items in the numismatic market.
NCV Grading is a company specializing in the certification and grading of banknotes and coins, offering a professional grading service for collectors and investors. Order here: https://ncvgrading.com/orders/
