I'm not sure I like that system. If a note has extensive surface
damage it appears to still be possible to rate VF+

Theoretically that would be possible but in practice very hard to
achieve. The note would have to be uncirculated in every other aspect
and have extensive surface damage. This would be a freak of nature. It
would be very hard for a note to get extensive surface damage yet not
folds (or wrinkles as they are small folds) and no dirt. It would be
more likely that a seller would classify the note as "apparent au with
extensive surface damage". The same would apply to an otherwise high
grade note with a tear extending into the design. I would rather own a
torn crisp note than a dirty limp note.

The only note that I have ever seen in this sort of condition was a
note that had extensive bubbling on the surface. It is likely that
this was caused by a fault in the paper making process.

Using the numeric grading process would also allow the vendor to show
how the grade was determined by showing the actual calculation for the
grade. This would give the buyer extra information.

But the rating of anything but mint and near mint notes I guess is
always going to be problematic, because the real world notes will be
damaged in ways that don't necessarily correspond perfectly to a
system. For instance you can have a very nice looking note that has an
apparently low grade, and vice versa.

Actually here is one I received today:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4...03/backuv6.jpg

I am really not happy with it.

The seller sold it as VF. The picture was far too small to judge.

There is NO WAY that the note is VF.

My "Standard Catalog of World Paper Money" shows "Very Fine: Minimal
dirt or possible color smudging. "

That note is filthy. It really is not a nice-looking collectible.

On the reverse, top right there is some paper that at one point has
got stuck to the surface of the note and has been torn away leaving
some residue behind. The edges are showing nicks. There is some
central crease wear.

The note is not just folded, but very wrinkled.

A few small pen marks are visible on the obverse.

The only question for me is if it is F, or merely VG.

Pick gives this note a value of $40 in VF but only $15 in VG.

The item sold for $27.

The seller of course says in the auction that grading is a matter of
his personal opinion, and that returns are at my cost both ways.

But I don't see why I should end up $15 out of pocket for postage as a
result of the seller misrepresenting the condition of the item.

Anyway, could I get some confirmation. Is this VG or F?