A number from 1 to 70
The note's grade, with a name such as Gem Uncirculated 65. The higher the number, the better the note.
Who can submit banknotes to PMG from the UK
Anyone in the UK can have a note graded by PMG, either through an authorised dealer or directly as a PMG member.
Through an authorised dealer. Numistacker is a PMG authorised dealer based in the UK. You need no PMG membership of your own: we submit under our dealer account, handle the journey to and from PMG, and deal with any questions PMG raises.
Directly to PMG. Collectors who submit to PMG themselves need a paid PMG membership (Associate level and above), send their notes to PMG's London office on the PMG UK submission form, and collect them or arrange their return.
Going through a dealer is usually simpler for UK collectors: one UK address to send to, no forms to learn, and someone to ask when anything is unclear. For a small number of notes it is usually more cost-effective, too, because a dealer consolidates many collectors' notes into each submission.
You can also send coins and notes in the same submission: coins go to NGC, notes to PMG, and you follow them together on one free account.
The steps, from your note to a graded holder
- Register freeRegister free on the Numistacker grading portal. Every tier and service is priced there once you are signed in.
- List your notesStart a PMG note submission and add each note with its Pick number and serial number. You see the tier and the full price before you submit.
- Send or bring your notesPost them flat and protected to our London office by a tracked service, or book a visit and hand them over in person (Monday to Friday, by appointment).
- We check them inWe confirm every note against your list, and you can see the check-in on the portal.
- We submit them to PMGYour notes go to PMG for grading, and the portal shows each stage as PMG reports it.
- Results arriveYou see each note's grade and certificate number on the portal as soon as PMG releases them.
- Your notes come homePMG returns them to us, we check them, and send them back to you by courier or Royal Mail, with tracking. Graded notes can join your free online collection.
How long it takes
Notes take roughly the same time as coins: about two and a half months on average, from the day we receive them to the day they leave us graded (as at October 2026). PMG's tiers go by a note's value, not by speed, so every UK tier takes about the same time.
The time depends mostly on PMG's own queue, which varies through the year, so the portal shows where your notes are at every stage rather than a promised date.
What it costs
The price of grading varies quite considerably with the value of the note and the tier selected. It is generally better to submit at least three or four notes at the same time, to get the slight economy of scale this brings.
What goes into the price: the tier, which PMG sets by the note's value; any PMG extras you request when you list the note, such as an oversize or custom holder for a larger note; and return postage, by courier or Royal Mail, chosen when you submit.
Every price is shown on the portal once you have registered, and you see the full total before you submit.
What PMG's grades and designations mean
PMG grades each note on a 70-point scale, where 70 is a perfect note, and adds designations that tell a buyer more about it.
EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality)
The note's paper is original: never pressed, washed or otherwise treated.
Star
A replacement note, printed to replace a faulty one in the run and marked with a star or a special serial.
A comment, such as Minor Rust or Previously Mounted
PMG names a problem it has found, and the grade reflects it.
Every grade is PMG's own opinion. A dealer looks after everything around the grade, never the grade itself.
Which notes are worth grading
Grading pays most where a certified grade adds confidence a buyer would pay for:
Valuable or scarce notes
Where a few grade points make a real difference to the price.
Notes you plan to sell
Especially at auction, where graded notes are easier to compare and to buy unseen.
Uncirculated and early notes
Such as older Bank of England issues, where original paper earns the EPQ designation.
Notes you want protected
Since the holder keeps the note flat and sealed against handling.
A low-value circulated note is usually not worth the fee. If you are unsure, ask us before you submit.
Questions collectors ask
Do I need to be a member of PMG?
No. When you submit through Numistacker, we submit under our authorised dealer account.
What do I need to list a note?
Its Pick number and serial number, added to a PMG note submission on the portal.
How should I post my notes?
Flat and protected, by a tracked service to our London office. We recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery. Keep your receipt and tracking number.
What if my note is larger than usual?
Larger notes can need an oversize holder or a custom holder. Choose it when you list the note, and you see its cost in your total before you submit.
Can I send coins and notes together?
Yes. Coins go to NGC and notes to PMG, and you follow both from the same free account.
Can I see my notes' progress?
Yes. The portal shows each stage, and we email you at the main steps, including when your results are in.
Can I add a note graded before, or by someone else?
Yes. Add it by its PMG certificate number, whoever submitted it, and its grade, description and photos arrive with it.
Are my notes insured?
Yes, if you request insurance when you submit. Choose it on the portal as you list your notes, and you see its cost in your total before you submit.
Ready to send your notes?
Open a free account, list your notes, and we look after the rest.