4 Mistakes New Currency Collectors Should Avoid

New collectors often make the same mistakes. Skip the learning curve with these quick tips.

1. Buying Cleaned Notes

That suspiciously crisp-looking old note? Probably cleaned. Chemical cleaning destroys paper fibers and tanks resale value. Learn to spot the telltale signs: unnatural whiteness, stiff feel, faded inks.

2. Ignoring Centering

Two notes can have identical technical grades but wildly different eye appeal. A perfectly centered note outsells a poorly centered one every time. Check the margins before you buy.

3. Chasing Condition Over Rarity

A common note in superb condition is still common. Sometimes that VF-25 rare variety beats the Gem 65 catalog staple as an investment.

4. Skipping Research

Know what you’re buying. Check recent auction prices, not dealer asking prices. A note “valued” at $500 means nothing if the last three sold for $200.

Collect what you enjoy. But collect smart.