DIM Paper Money Grading Scale
DIM uses a 70-point numerical scale derived from the internationally recognized Sheldon grading scale. The following descriptions show how a note’s condition is reflected by the grades assigned by DIM.
This grade is given to a very high quality coin that is free of all defects and the quality of the paper is very straight, uncirculated and there is no evidence of use, and the margins and edges must appear intact in the electron microscope and thus deserves a grade of 70 and the placement of stars on it
The DIM Grading Scale
70 Gem Unc
70 EPQ
This grade is given to a very high quality coin that is free of all defects and the quality of
the paper is very straight, uncirculated and there is no evidence of use, and the margins and
edges must appear intact in the electron microscope and thus deserves a grade of 70 and
the placement of stars on it.
Superb Gem Unc
69 EPQ
This grade is almost indistinguishable visually from 70. The paper quality is high and the
margins and edges are intact. There is no evidence of used uncirculated paper.
Superb Gem Unc
68 EPQ
This grade is almost indistinguishable visually from 69, the quality of the paper is high and the margins and edges are intact in the electron microscope
Superb Gem Unc
67 EPQ
The quality of the paper is high and the margins and edges are above average. Scanning
with an electron microscope, there is no evidence of circulation and use.
Gem Uncirculated
66 EPQ
The quality of the paper is good and the note should be above average There may be a
little more handling than the 67 note, check the margins and edges with an enlarger
Gem Uncirculated
65 EPQ
The margins and edges of the coin may have one or two lesser quality defects in one
corner that can only be seen with an electron microscope due to poor storage, and the
quality of the paper is good.
EPQ =( Exceptional Paper Quality) Give the paper a rating greater than 65 and higher.
64 to 25 is not given EPQ
Choice Uncirculated
64
The coin has two or three margins and edges, two or three damage due to poor storage,
it may be a staple hole or a rust spot, there are defects at the tip of the corners due to poor
storage, and the quality of the paper is good
Choice Uncirculated
63
The coin has two or three margins and edges due to poor storage, it may be a staple
hole or a rust stain and minor notes on the surface of the coin..
Uncirculated
62
The note is not heavily marked but there may be minor issues from use at the corner
end. Handling is present but there will be no folds and the margins may be tangible and do
not change the shape of the coin
Uncirculated
61
There may be minor issues and usage imperfections at the corner tip. As a result of poor
storage but there will be no folds, the margins may be tangible and do not change the shape
of the coin This grade is almost indistinguishable visually from a 62.
Uncirculated
60
The margins may be tangible and do not change the shape of the coin and the notes are
accounted for There may be a slight fold in the paper on a scale of 5 centimeters or less as a
result of use.
Choice About Unc
58
There is one fold in the coin as a result of use.
About Uncirculated
55
It is usually found on one or two to three folds in the coin.
About Uncirculated
53
There is usually one or two to three folds in the coin with imperfections at the edge of
the margins and corner as a result of abuse.
About Uncirculated
50
There are usually two to three folds with imperfections at the edge of the margins and
corner as a result of misuse, which may be a staple hole or rust stain marks and minor notes
on the surface of the coin
Choice Extremely Fine
45
Note three to five strong folds, one of which may be horizontal with corner damage due
to misuse.
Extremely Fine
40
Three to five strong folds, one of which may be horizontal with corner damage due to
misuse, with stain marks on the coin's surface.
Choice Very Fine
35
This paper looks very good, but has more than 5 folds with stains on the surface of the
coin with wear to the margins of the coin
Very Fine
30
This paper is worn, may have signs of soiling, and usually has seven to ten folds
Very Fine
25
This grade is almost identical to 30, except that it is less worn, has signs of soiling, and
usually has 8 to 10 folds.
Very Fine
20
This paper is very worn with damage to the paper and separation and there may be a
missing part of the paper
Choice Fine
15
This paper is very worn with damage to the paper and separation and there may be a
missing part of the paper.
Fine
12
This paper is damaged and detached with part of the paper missing.
Very Good
8-10
This paper is incomplete and there is a section missing with tape and damage to the
condition of the paper
Very Good
6-4
This paper is incomplete, with some parts missing and very damaged