Grading Bonds and Shares

To facilitate communication between sellers and buyers, it is essential that grading terms and their meanings be as standardized and as widely used as possible. At Collectweb and Corné Akkermans Auctions grading is done with the utmost care and slightly conservative. The age, rarity or type of an item is not a consideration in grading. We grade each item by the weaker of the two sides. Additional to the grade of an item we will always mention the extra defects like "stains", "tears", "pinholes", "staple holes", "foxing", "writing on face", "tape rests".

Collectweb and Corné Akkermans Auctions grade Bonds and shares according to International Bonds and Shares Society (IBSS) standards. The following standards are published in their Scripophily Guide:

UNC (Uncirculated) - as if straight from the printers, without the slightest flaw; usually seen only on unissued pieces.

EF/XF (Extremely Fine) - in almost perfect condition - signs of having being handled are almost invisible.m the printers, without the slightest flaw; usually seen only on unissued pieces.

VF (Very Fine) - in very good condition, but definite signs of use - a fold, slight edge damage, light general wear, slight discoloration, but no pieces missing.

F (Fine) - considerable signs of use, pronounced folds, small pieces missing from the edge, stained, ect.

VG (Very Good) - is not very good at all. Poorer tha F, such a piece would have suffered serious damage, probably badly torn or with a large piece missing, badly stained, etc. Dealers will not normally offer material in VG grade; nor will auction houses, other than in a large lot of mostly better pieces.

G (Good or Fair) - areworse than VG and to be a avoided other than in exceptional cases.