Handling and Treatment of United States Paper Currency

The most important thing to know about handling currency is to NEVER FOLD PAPER MONEY. This instantly reduces its value. When in doubt as to whether a note has value or not, place it flat in a book until you can consult a numismatist or coin dealer. Do not carry an interesting note around in your wallet. When handling a note remember that its most fragile parts are its corners. Never touch them. Also, never repair a tear in a note with tape. The tape usually is a greater detriment to the note's value than the tear.

Attempts to clean a note are also likely to cause damage.