Grade assigned seems unusually low.

[RG934]

Hello, I just received back my graded notes and one of the grades seemed particularly low.   I was assigned a 35 grade for a 1928 $50 gold note and according to the scale this is for a note with 4-7 small folds.  Attached is a photo of the front and back and I could only detect a single light crease.  Can you please check this out and advise whether I should return for a regrade.

[RG934]

Here is an example of a 35 grade of the same note. 

[Jennifer F.]

Good morning. Thanks for your message. Many times folds may be difficult to see inside the holder so they are not always apparent once the note is encapsulated. You are certainly welcome to send any note back for a regrade if you do not agree with the grade, however, we cannot guarantee that there will be any change in the grade. Regular grading fees would apply to a regrade.  If you have any questions, you can contact our customer service department at 877-764-5570 or by email at service@pmgnotes.com.  Thank you!

[RG934]

Thanks for your response.  I actually looked at the note under a magnifying glass and only found one light fold.  I think it's best if I bring it in to the next currency show where PMG representatives are present so I can have the note looked at up close. 

[Jennifer F.]

Good morning.  You are welcome to send the note back for a regrade or drop it off at a show.  Please note, however, that our reps at the show are not graders and would not be able to evaluate your note for you.  Thanks!

[Steve in Tampa]

Spotting folds from photos/scans is almost impossible. Some notes appear better than they are by lighting. Try some side lighting to detect folds and handling marks.

[Bwspears]

The reality is that the graders are all different and the chances of all notes being graded the exact same is practically impossible. Remember, this is 60% details and 40% how it "appears" to them. Once it has been graded by PMG, it will most likely retain that grade because they protect each other and PMGs reputation (understandably so). If you had a note graded by them and then requested a re-grade or even took the note out of the holder (sending it in like it has never been graded), they will look up the serial in their system to see if it had been previously graded and you will end up with the same grade. If you could put 10 graders each in different rooms and give them 10 notes to grade. The only way they would all have the same grade is if they cheated. I would bet a thousand bucks on that!

Someone should develop a scanner that can measure everything from creases/folds, centering, stains and even color depth so that it takes the human factor out of grading. Until then, just pray that when you send it in for the first time, that your grader is having a good day.