Good (G)
Good (G) is a banknote condition grade for a heavily circulated note that remains complete but shows major wear and structural weakness.
It remains complete enough for identification, despite significant deterioration of the paper.
How It Appears
A Good banknote feels soft, thin, and structurally exhausted — the original strength of the paper largely gone.
The surface is dominated by deep, intersecting folds that have fully set into the paper. These creases are no longer superficial; they form a permanent network that defines the note’s condition.
At this stage, folding stress often produces internal splits — small tears forming within the body of the note, not just at the edges. A center hole or near-break at the main fold intersection is common, especially in notes that have circulated extensively.
Edges are frayed and uneven, with multiple tears of varying length. Corners are heavily rounded, split, or partially missing. Dirt, staining, and discoloration are embedded into the paper, giving the note a darkened, worked character.
Design clarity is reduced but intact. The denomination, main imagery, and essential inscriptions remain readable, though weakened.
Collector signal: the note bends without resistance — structure has given way to flexibility.
Functional Role
The Good grade defines the lower boundary of structurally complete banknotes.
In the PMG scale, it typically corresponds to 4–6, anchoring it as the final level where a note remains whole enough for full classification.
Below this threshold, notes begin to lose physical completeness or design integrity, moving into About Good territory.
Good therefore marks the point where a banknote still exists as a complete object — but only just.
Why It Matters to Collectors
For collectors, Good is not about condition — it is about survival.
This grade often represents the only available entry into scarce or historically important issues. In many cases, higher-grade examples are either unavailable or prohibitively rare.
Collector reality:
- Center holes and internal splits are expected, not exceptional
- Structural fatigue is acceptable — but missing pieces are not
- Originality still matters, even at this level
The Tape Trap:
Good notes are the most commonly repaired. Tears are often reinforced with adhesive tape, sometimes old, sometimes recently applied.
This is critical:
- Tape repairs push the note into “Details” or “Net” grading
- Adhesive residue stains the paper and continues to degrade it over time
- A “complete but taped” note is often worth less than an untouched, worn example
A Good note should be worn — but honest.
Good vs Very Good (VG)
Very Good retains moderate structure and avoids internal breaks.
Good shows structural failure points — deep creasing, splits, and loss of paper strength.
A simple distinction:
VG still holds together.
G is holding on.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Good (G) mean?
A heavily circulated banknote with significant wear that remains complete and identifiable, typically graded 4–6 on the PMG scale.
Can a Good banknote have tears and damage?
Yes. Tears, internal splits, and even small center holes are common at this level.
Is Good condition collectible?
Yes — especially for rare issues where better examples do not exist.
Is a taped banknote still considered Good?
No. Tape repairs usually result in a “Details” or “Net” grade and reduce collector value.