Processed (help)

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I bought a Devil's Face 5$ - BC7617600 in EF condition from a dealer off ebay. It has an odd, sharp smell and I suspect it's been washed or treated with something. Will this affect the grading? It stinks and I'm annoyed because that good part of the note's history is missing 

 I'm not sure if it will effect the grading but don't put it with your other notes. If you put it in a confined space your whole collection will smell the same.

  I purchased two 1954 D.F. notes from ebay that had been treated and I sold them at a loss.

I personally will turn down a note that has been pressed and washed, and especially one that smells of the process. I will contradict myself now. Yes I have purchased notes that have been processed, but the only time I have picked up processed notes, is of one that is very tough to obtain in any condition. I am not sure who the dealer is, but if the condition of the note is truly bothering you and you feel the note was misrepresented, then I would contact the dealer to express my thoughts concerning the note. If he is a reputable dealer, then I am sure he will stand behind what was sold and will offer a refund. On the other hand, if you paid a ridiculously low price for the note, it might be worth holding on to.

So in short, a pressed is not as marketable as an original note. Yes the grading will be affected. If the note is ever graded by a third party, there is a chance that it will be noted on the holder. Thus it will most likely affect the price of the note.

Just my thoughts

One thing to note is some notes which have been kepts in cheaper PVC platic sleeves can pick up a strong smell. These sleeves have a strong platic smell which the notes will absorb overtime. So do not dismiss all smely notes as washed

If you can identify the note was pressed then most likely it was washed.

Great point, that totally slipped my mind. Some time ago, I purchased a rare note that was Unc with full embossing, but it was stored in one of the older holders and had that plastic holder smell to it.

Thanks for the help everyone. I didn't realize that some plastic sleeves could transfer smell. Now I really want to know what's   causing this. I'm going to bring it to a shop near my house and ask someone with a bit more experience than I have.

I don't know if the note was misrepresented. The dealer didn't say the note wasn't washed or pressed and I didn't ask. This is me learning about collecting and buying off ebay experientially. I've always loved paper money and until a couple years ago mainly collected notes I got while serving. My first devil's face came to me as a tip form an American tourist.

I ended up winning the auction at cheaper than book value but if processing affects the grade I would lose a bit.

According to the Charlton, though, if memory serves, "notes that have been washed or processed in any way can at most be graded EF", or something along those lines. My 2 cents on this is that if the note if it hadn't been processed grades EF or above, then the note when it is processed will grade as an EF, but this is only my opinion.

According to the Charlton, though, if memory serves, "notes that have been washed or processed in any way can at most be graded EF", or something along those lines. My 2 cents on this is that if the note if it hadn't been processed grades EF or above, then the note when it is processed will grade as an EF, but this is only my opinion.

Not so, a processed notes graded by TPG companies can get a grade up to UNC 62 and maybe even 63, but the grader will also not put the "EPQ" or "Original" notation on the holder. This is their way of stating that the note shows signs of being processed.

Even raw notes from dealers get graded as UNC. Bottom line, be careful and look at the note for yourself.

I can relate to buying processed notes from eBay a few times before .......1 of them actually being a 5.00 C/Towers devils face, also an EF, however for 24.00 it was a bargain back then even with a strong smell. Since the Seller listed it as an EF and providing the pictures depicted it clearly I would keep it......just curious how much did it cost you? One other mention is that after 3 years the smell is lessening quite a bit .

I appreciate the input Platyfish124. The note is beautiful - no folds, no center crease, sharp edges - I think it would be EF regardless. When I get a chance to have it looked at I'll post the result.

You do really have to be careful dealing with people you don't know . It's nice to hear that processed notes could be graded as high as you say Elwoodbluesca.

I won the note (Coyne/Towers) for 55. + Shipping it ended up being over 60. I forget what the exchange was ( about a month ago) but I don't think it was as high as it is now. That is why I said I would lose a little if the grade went down, but no worries if it stays. Yours sounds like a great deal Nova7415