Separate and Number Every First Series RMB Note
Even notes kept in one wrapper need individual identifiers, with the current sequence and orientation photographed before any handling.
- Identification records the denomination, printed year, principal designs, prefix and serial from that note.
- Photography records complete front and back faces, all corners, the perimeter and any located detail under the same number.
- Condition records folds, tears, stains, mould, filled holes, retouching, trimming, flattening evidence and replaced corners.
Keep uncertain version names, hidden areas and access restrictions in notes rather than completing them from a similar First Series RMB example.
Attach a Source to Historical Facts
Cite the named source and access date for issue history, printing information or catalogue dimensions, keeping those references separate from observation.
A notable prefix or serial should be understood within the correct note type and cannot override paper, ink, corner and repair evidence.
Preserve old captions and oral accounts as dated leads, without allowing them to supply unreadable text or a missing digit.
Photograph Complete Faces Before Fine Detail
Keep the camera parallel to the paper and include every edge, then add serial, inscription, design-boundary and damage close-ups with location context.
Use gentle raking light for folds and intervention, and even transmitted light for structures actually visible in the paper.
Protect Original Readings and Units
Retain dimensions, tools, scale displays and native units beside the relevant note, labelling conversions without overwriting the source value.
Keep ration coupons, foreign currency, commemorative notes and uncut formats in other groups so their backgrounds do not enter the record.
Attach wrapper, seal, file name and document images to the same note or batch identifier, stating the limits of any group-level evidence.
Preserve Bundles, Runs and Fragile Paper
Do not break a sealed bundle or consecutive run for photography; record seal, sides, visible count and first and last serials first.
Isolate damp, mould-affected or adhering paper, and do not wash, iron, laminate or force a note away from an album leaf.
Why Prefix, Serial and Note Order Must Stay Together
The denomination and principal designs establish the First Series note, while prefix and serial distinguish the physical sheet within a bundle or album.
A run remains evidence only for the numbers actually visible, preserving gaps, seals and first-to-last order without inferring an unseen serial.
Raking and transmitted light answer different paper questions, so their orientation and exposure notes stay beside the corresponding complete face.
Folds, stains, mould, filled holes, retouching and replaced corners are located independently of a rare denomination or attractive number.
The preserved wrapper, album position and individual identifier allow later review without washing, ironing, laminating or rearranging fragile notes.
