what is cuping?

News: Welcome to the Canadian Paper Money Forum.

Trying to understand some of the terminology in regards to describing the condition of a banknote.
I have frequently seen the term cup mark? Could someone please explain?

Friedsquid

I believe that it's caused when the note is cut and the pressure of the dull knife blade cutting through the metalic strip on journey notes creates a "cup mark" or a slight crease in the shape of a thumb nail at the bottom or top of a note.

That could be pasrt of the reason for it.  To me, it seems likely that it is due to a handling device, which squeezes the notes down very hard. That is why it gradually gets fainter as you go down the brick from what I can tell.

I guess we needa BOC offical to let us know for sure.  But Gary is right, it makes a little "cup" mark (half circle).

good description.  i have a journey 50 with that mark, and assumed it was some sort of counting crease a teller put in.

Thanks for the clarification.

Matt