About
Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) is a professional grading and authentication service headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, dedicated to the world of paper money collecting. PMG evaluates banknotes from around the globe using a standardized 70-point grading scale, assigning each note an impartial, expert grade backed by the PMG Guarantee — protecting both buyers and sellers in the marketplace. Once graded, notes are sealed in tamper-evident holders with secure labels, giving collectors peace of mind about authenticity and condition. PMG's online Certification Verification tool lets anyone confirm a certified note's authenticity by entering its certification number or scanning its QR code. The PMG Population Report provides detailed rarity data for certified notes, helping collectors understand relative scarcity. The World Paper Money Price Guide offers comprehensive valuation data for banknotes worldwide. PMG also supports event submissions, dealer locator services, an active online community (chat boards, galleries, videos), and a PMG Registry for competitive collecting. The service is the official grading company of the American Numismatic Association and is approved by eBay's authentication program. Ideal for serious paper money collectors, numismatic dealers, auction houses, and investors, PMG brings standardization, trust, and community resources to the global banknote collecting hobby.
Key Features
- Expert Banknote Grading: Professional authentication and grading of paper money on a standardized 70-point scale, with notes sealed in secure, tamper-evident holders.
- Certification Verification Tool: Instantly verify any PMG-certified note's authenticity and grade online by entering the certification number or scanning the holder's QR code.
- PMG Population Report: Access detailed data on the rarity of PMG-certified banknotes, helping collectors and investors understand population and scarcity.
- World Paper Money Price Guide: Explore one of the world's most comprehensive online valuation guides for paper money, covering banknotes from virtually every country.
- PMG Registry & Community: Compete with other collectors through the PMG Registry, and engage with a global community via galleries, chat boards, and videos.
Use Cases
- A collector submits a rare 19th-century banknote to PMG for professional authentication and grading before listing it at auction.
- A dealer uses the PMG Certification Verification tool to confirm the authenticity of a note before purchasing it from a private seller.
- An investor consults the PMG World Paper Money Price Guide to research current market valuations before acquiring a collection.
- A numismatic enthusiast uses the PMG Population Report to identify scarce notes in high grades for their registry set.
- An eBay seller submits currency to PMG to receive the eBay-approved certification, increasing buyer trust and sale price.
Pros
- Trusted & Impartial Grading: PMG is recognized by major organizations like the ANA and eBay, providing a trusted third-party opinion that instills confidence in buyers and sellers.
- Comprehensive Online Resources: Free tools including the Population Report, World Price Guide, and Certification Verification add significant value beyond the grading service itself.
- PMG Guarantee: Every certified note is backed by the PMG Guarantee, offering a financial safety net that protects collectors from authenticity or grading errors.
Cons
- Paid Submission Fees: Grading and authentication require paid submissions, which can add meaningful cost especially for lower-value notes.
- Turnaround Time: Depending on the service tier selected, grading can take days to weeks, which may be inconvenient for time-sensitive transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMG certification?
PMG certification means a banknote has been authenticated and graded by Paper Money Guaranty's experts. The note is assigned a grade on a 70-point scale and sealed in a tamper-evident holder with a secure label.
How do I verify a PMG-certified note?
Visit pmgnotes.com and use the Certification Verification tool. Enter the note's PMG certification number and select its grade, or scan the QR code on the holder with your phone.
How do I submit a note to PMG for grading?
You can submit notes directly through pmgnotes.com by following PMG's submission guidelines, selecting a service tier, completing the submission form, and mailing your notes to PMG's facility.
What is the PMG Population Report?
The PMG Population Report is a free online database that shows how many notes of each type and grade have been certified by PMG, helping collectors assess the relative rarity of specific banknotes.
Is PMG affiliated with other collectibles grading companies?
Yes, PMG is part of the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), which also includes NGC (coins), CGC (comics), ASG (stamps), and JSA (autographs).
