Introduction
It was a crisp autumn afternoon when James, a seasoned currency collector, sat down at his desk to admire his latest acquisition—a beautifully preserved 1899 $5 Silver Certificate. The bill, known as the “Chief Note” for its striking portrait of a Native American chief, was a masterpiece of American engraving. But as James traced its delicate fibers with his fingertips, a thought crossed his mind: Would laminating this historic bill help preserve it for future generations?
Like many collectors, James wanted to protect his investment. Lamination, after all, shields paper from spills, dirt, and general wear. Yet, as he soon discovered, encasing old money in a plastic tomb does more harm than good.
The Science of Lamination and Its Impact on Currency
Laminating paper money involves sealing it between layers of plastic using heat and adhesive. While this might seem like an ideal way to prevent damage, the process fundamentally alters the note’s integrity. Old banknotes were often printed on a cotton-linen blend, which requires breathability to prevent deterioration. Once laminated, a note is permanently encased, cutting off necessary air circulation and potentially accelerating the breakdown of organic fibers.
Furthermore, lamination adhesives can chemically react with the ink and paper, leading to discoloration over time. Collectors often find that laminated notes develop a yellowish tint or bubbling between the layers, permanently distorting the fine details that make historical banknotes so valuable.
The Collector’s Verdict: Lamination Ruins Value
From a numismatic perspective, lamination is an irreversible sin. Experts agree that laminated banknotes lose their value dramatically—sometimes rendering them worthless to serious collectors. “A laminated note is essentially considered damaged,” says Mark Sheldon, a currency appraiser with over three decades of experience. “It’s the equivalent of putting a rare painting under a layer of epoxy.”
Auction houses and grading services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) will not certify laminated notes. Without official grading, a note’s resale potential plummets. Even casual collectors shy away from laminated bills, preferring unaltered notes with natural aging characteristics.
Real-Life Collector Experiences
Collectors who have laminated currency often regret it. Emily Harrison, an antique dealer, once tried to preserve a Civil War-era Confederate note by laminating it. “I thought I was saving it, but when I went to sell it years later, no one wanted it,” she recalls. “It was effectively ruined for the market.”
Similarly, Tom Peterson, a retired banker, inherited a stack of World War II-era banknotes from his grandfather. Some had been laminated decades ago. “The laminated ones were dismissed by appraisers,” he says. “But the unprotected ones, despite some minor wear, were still valuable.”
Proper Preservation Techniques for Old Money
So if lamination is off the table, how should one properly preserve historical currency? Experts recommend the following best practices:
- Use Archival-Grade Holders – Mylar or polyester currency sleeves (such as those made by brands like Mylites or Lighthouse) provide protection without chemical damage.
- Store in a Stable Environment – Paper currency thrives in moderate temperature and humidity. Too much moisture can lead to mold, while extreme dryness can make paper brittle.
- Avoid Direct Handling – Oils and dirt from human hands can degrade old paper. Cotton gloves or careful handling by the edges is ideal.
- Keep Away from Direct Light – Ultraviolet light can fade ink and weaken paper fibers over time. A dark, cool storage space is best.
- Consider Professional Grading – Sending rare notes to a grading service can authenticate and encapsulate them in a protective, non-damaging holder.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Preservation
James ultimately decided against laminating his 1899 Chief Note. Instead, he placed it in an archival-quality currency sleeve and stored it in a climate-controlled safe. Years later, when he decided to sell, the note’s pristine condition fetched a hefty sum—far more than it ever would have had it been laminated.
For collectors, preserving the authenticity and integrity of historical banknotes is paramount. Lamination may seem like a safeguard, but in reality, it seals a note’s fate in the worst way possible. True preservation requires knowledge, care, and a respect for history. After all, old money tells a story—one that should never be suffocated under plastic.
