How to start collecting paper money?

A very common type of collecting hobby is 'collection of currency or bank notes of various countries of the world'.  At this digital and plastic money (credit cards) age, still people use paper money or currency notes. Like coins and stamps these currency notes reflect basic information about that specific country.

Lots of people have dedicated their lives to researching and compiling information on paper money or bank notes.

Do you want to start collecting paper money?                

The best way to start is to subscribe to Bank Note Reporter. It's a sort of monthly newspaper for paper money collectors and not only does it carry all the latest news about new issues, currency changes, etc., it also has advertising from a very large number of dealers and it lists paper money shows in the US and around the world. BNR offers free samples to anyone (not just in the USA).

The Professional Currency Dealers Association offers a small booklet called "How to Collect Paper Money" which, if I recall correctly, even contains a few sample world banknotes.

How to trade/buy/sell paper money?

The most effective way to get paper money is not through general circulation, but through dealers, collectors, auctions, and shows. There are many online sites which can help you trade paper money or back notes.

The International Bank Note Society's quarterly journal carries free advertising "of a non-commercial nature" for people wanting to update their personal collections. Bank Note Reporter also has a lot
of small cheap ads for this. These are good places to look for people to trade notes.

Another way to buy/sell notes is through mail auctions.  Some people prefer to collect notes from general circulation. This is a good way for someone to start getting interested in paper money, but it's really not a very effective way to collect it.

How to keep banknotes safely?

To keep them in the best possible condition is to use inert plastics of good quality.
Common household products such as plastic wrap, plastic bags, window envelopes, etc. should not be used for storing paper money. Most plastics contain PVC, which deteriorates with time and heat, releasing acids and gases which will migrate into the paper, resulting in the notes appearing to have been soaked in oil, or so brittle they shatter at a touch.

Notes should be stored or displayed away from direct sunlight, to avoid fading. Repairs should be made only with products that are stable.
"Magic" tape and other plastic tapes will leave permanent stains on notes.

You can also keep notes in regular paper envelopes as well, although they're more liable to get damaged in handling.

Paper money has both a market value and a personal value. These two things are very different. There are big time dealers who keep a note from circulation just because it has an interesting serial number or for other sentimental reasons. Don't let "market" forces blur the real meaning of being a collector.

Useful links:

* A good site with images of USA and some World notes

* History of money

* World Banknote Collectors Web Site

* Paper money FAQS

Collections of paper money or currency notes as a hobby

Many people collect currency notes of different countries. Hobbies are the perfect way of creating an innovative and fascinating collection of something inspirational and sharing passions with others. Collecting is an interesting hobby where the main potential lies in obtaining, organizing, creating an extraordinary collection and sharing your passion based on that interest.


The paper money collecting hobby has been very well established for decades and there are many thousands of collectors worldwide. Paper money collectors are not as common as coin collectors, but they are still very active and have extensively developed the hobby.


Currency comes from the word current – that which is in circulation at the moment. Note is a piece of paper with something written on it. By currency notes we generally refer to paper money.


The story of money began with the age of barter. One person had grains while another had baskets. The two would have to trade with each other to meet daily needs. The problem became complicated when the man trading his goat wanted to buy some grains. Grains and baskets could be divided but the goat would have to be killed. One goat could not be the price of a few baskets. So a common medium of exchange had to be thought of. Thus coins came into circulation. These coins were made of precious metals like gold, silver or copper. But constant wear and tear combined with a dearth of raw material made Man start thinking again. Out of this thinking was born the idea of currency notes.



Benefits of  Collecting paper money:


The banknotes of a country tell unique story of its art, people, history and geography. Handling and keeping money from different places is a fascinating hobby which is very informative as well.


For some people their paper money collection is an extension of another interest, it could be boats, birds, animals. They may have been collecting old postcards of birds and then started collecting stamps that has images of different birds on them, this ultimately may have lead to collecting world banknotes that have images of bird.


Another fascinating aspect of collecting paper money is the collection of old checks and bond certificates. These are valued for historical as well as artistic referencing. The detail and color of these pieces make them beautiful works of arts on their own.


Useful and interesting links:                                   


* The World’s Most Beautiful Currencies


* The world's most beautiful currencies...


* 'Paper money collecting blog'


* 'Foreign money'