Exclusive Rarity Exception Rule
Banknotes that are at least 50 years old from the grading date, with a Numista Rarity Index of 80 or higher, shall be exempt from an automatic Grade 1 (Poor) classification despite physical tissue loss, provided that the total missing area—measured precisely via the Bounding Box Method—does not exceed 5% of the banknote's total surface area. This exception is strictly conditional upon the absolute integrity of all sovereign features; the missing area must not touch, obscure, or damage the serial numbers, signatures, dates, or the portrait/vignette. Eligible notes will be graded based on their remaining paper body and crispness, and will carry the (Exception) designation on the official TIB certification label."
Purpose of the Exception
This rule is non-arbitrary; it serves a vital preservationist and numismatic purpose. By establishing strict, high-barrier criteria for rare issues, TIB aims to encourage the immediate encapsulation and safeguarding of scarce historical currency. This prevents further physical degradation from environmental exposure or handling, while actively discouraging destructive, non-professional restoration attempts that permanently ruin a banknote's historical integrity."
