Graded vs. Ungraded Disney Dollars
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As you browse the store, you'll find both graded and ungraded Disney Dollars.
In the photos above, the two bills appear to be identical, differing only in their serial numbers. Yet the price of the graded Disney Dollar is almost 3 times that of the ungraded, or "raw" note. Why does it cost so much more to buy graded Disney Dollars? Let's examine the differences between the two formats, so that you can decide which is best for you. Disney Dollars are always worth face value at Disney parks and resorts. However, no matter how much you pay for an ungraded bill, the face value is the only value you can be sure of. The condition of an ungraded bill is ultimately a matter of opinion. A seller may advertise a Disney Dollar as "uncirculated", "mint" or "crisp" but overlook that the corners of the bill are rounded from improper storage or that there may be some soft wrinkles, stains or folds in the bill. The quality of an ungraded bill as a collector item remains subjective and is in the eye of the beholder. You may not be able to tell if a bill has been altered to improve its appearance. Bills can be ironed or steamed in an attempt to hide wrinkles or folds. Bills that were mounted in a frame can be unmounted but retain glue residue that might not be visible to the naked eye. This greatly lowers the value of the bill. The condition of a graded bill is not dependent on the opinion of the seller. A graded bill has been examined under ultraviolet light and magnification by professional currency graders. Each bill is examined by at least two graders to determine a grade that is based upon strict, objective, published standards. When you buy a graded bill, you can be sure that it is authentic, that it has not been tampered with (unless noted on the tag) and that the condition is what the seller claims that it is. Graded bill holders even have anti-counterfeiting features built into their designs. These include holograms, UV-visible watermarks, complex border patterns, certification numbers and more. Also, the holders are made from museum-quality material to ensure that the bill does not degrade over time. The cost of getting a Disney Dollar graded typically ranges from $20 to $50 or more. This cost includes the grading process itself, secure shipping and shipping insurance. To summarize, graded bills can be bought and sold with confidence in their condition and authenticity. This is especially important to consider when buying rare and expensive Disney Dollars. Whether you choose to buy graded or ungraded Disney Dollars, they are fun to collect or give as gifts. Disney Dollars are as timeless as the characters they depict. ~Kath |
