Pedigrees

A pedigree is generally used to indicate a banknote’s present or past ownership or another important aspect of a banknote’s history. In numismatics, as in the art world, a note’s provenance can be an important factor in determining its authenticity, and a note that was once part of a famous collection may be more desirable to some collectors. PMG submitters can request pedigrees in the following instances.

Famous collection: Submitters to PMG may request that a note formerly owned by a famous collector be pedigreed to that collector on the PMG certification label. PMG must receive sufficient evidence to confirm the requested pedigree. Examples of this evidence may include:

• The submitted note can be matched to a picture in a catalog of the collection prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer.
• The submitted note is received in a sealed holder prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer that indicates the name of the collection.

PMG pedigrees will typically be the current or previous owner’s name followed by the word “Collection.” In the case of a few very select collections, the word “Collection” is omitted on the PMG certification label. These include well-known and widely publicized collections such as D. Brent Pogue.

Submitter’s own collection: A submitter to PMG may request that PMG pedigree a note to his or her own collection on the PMG certification label. In virtually all cases, the pedigree must be the submitter’s name followed by the word “Collection.” Note: If the submitter’s name is the same as a famous person’s name, PMG may reject the pedigree or require further differentiation.

Company names: Companies may request to add their name to a PMG certification label. PMG will generally not pedigree a note to a company unless that request comes directly from that company.

Plate Notes and Discovery Notes: PMG will pedigree a note that is imaged in a major reference book as being the Plate Note. PMG will pedigree a note that is the first example known of a newly discovered variety as a Discovery Note.

Trade shows or charity auctions: PMG may also use a pedigree to mark an event (such as a trade show or charity auction) or to provide additional identifying information about the note.

Courtesy Autographs, Short Snorters and other annotations: To be eligible for a Courtesy Autograph notation, PMG must determine with a high level of confidence that a handwritten signature on the note matches an official printed signature on the note. If a signature is from someone whose signature was not printed on the note at its time of issue, PMG will notate this as a Signature Annotation. If initials or only part of a signature are present, PMG will notate this as an Annotation. Short Snorters are a type of Signature Annotation in which a note is signed by people traveling together on an aircraft.

Important dates: PMG, at its sole discretion, may allow a pedigree for an anniversary, birthday or commemorative occasion (e.g., Celebrating China Aerospace Day – 2018.4.24)

In most cases, a pedigree appears on one or two lines on the back of the PMG certification label or on the front of the PMG certification label to the left of the note’s grade. Pedigrees generally do not receive separate listings in the PMG Population Report and are instead counted in the note’s regular PMG Population Report listing.

Recognition and attribution of pedigrees is at PMG’s sole discretion. PMG will not recognize the following:

• Any pedigrees that PMG determines could be confused with another pedigree
• Any pedigree with the name of a famous person not connected with the note
• Rarity indicators
• Auction names and lots

Grading and service fees are not refundable if PMG chooses to decline recognition or attribution of a requested pedigree. PMG will use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of its pedigree attributions; however, pedigree attributions are not guaranteed under the PMG Guarantee.

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