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How to Find Out How Much an Old German Bill Is Worth

Collecting foreign currency is a fascinating hobby, both for the beauty of the bills themselves and for their unique history. However, it can often be difficult to know if an old bill has any real value on the collectibles marketplace. Learn how to do the research and find out whether there is a market for your antique German bill or whether its value is more sentimental and historical than monetary.

Instructions

- 1
  Know the condition of your bill. Collectors of paper money are interested in the condition of the bill, which is known as its grade. Grades are numerical and range from 1, which means the bill can barely be recognized as money, to 70, which is perfect condition. Rather than referring to a bill's numerical grade, most collectors will use grading terminology ranging from poor to gem uncirculated. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each grade in order to understand the condition of your bill.
- 2
  Find out whether your bill has value to a collector. Sometimes even an old bill, if it is a common currency and is in poor condition, is not worth much more than its face value. The more you can find out about your bill, the easier it will be to assess its value as a collectible.
- 3
  Research on the Internet to ascertain the rarity of your currency. Is it still in circulation? If not, that is actually a good thing. Collectors tend to like bills that have become obsolete or collectible bills printed in small quantities. If you can't find the information on your own, use books and experts to help you answer these questions.
- 4
  Research in currency collecting books. Head to your local library or bookstore to look through books on collecting foreign currency. Many books on currency collecting include price guides. Be sure to note when the book was published, as prices fluctuate. See Resources for examples of books about foreign paper money.
- 5
  Visit a collectibles or coin show, which often have paper currency dealers as well. Look at the selection of foreign currency available to see the prices. Pay special attention to bills like yours that are in similar condition.
- 6
  Talk to foreign currency dealers at the various booths. Show them your bill and ask for their advice on the value. It is important that they see the bill. Even an expert can't give a good estimate from a photo or a description. As another option, take your bill to a local coin dealer and see if he will give you an informal estimate on the value.

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