A clear order for reviewing Macau zodiac banknotes
First record the set, denomination, visible year wording and principal designs, then add dimensions with the measuring tool and unit. Both groups remain with the same note number.
Next capture what transmitted light genuinely shows and keep an unclear watermark unconfirmed. Another person should be able to repeat the check without inheriting a guessed edition.
Date supporting documents and the physical review separately. An unexplained blank is more honest than a completed field derived from expectation.
Take the full views before damage details
Use low-angle light to distinguish washed paper, pressing, filled holes, trimmed edges, recolouring and replaced corners. Note every area that remains blocked by an enclosure.
Read special prefixes or attractive numbers within the correct set and design. Serial interest cannot replace examination of paper, ink, corners and repairs.
Keep overall photographs, details, measurements, packaging and papers under one identifier so similar notes cannot exchange evidence.
Let an unknown field stay open
Separate several notes by set, denomination and design. Each front, back, four corners, full serial string, dimensions and transmitted-light view must stay together.
Do not split a consecutive run or sealed bundle merely for photography. Capture the band, first and last numbers, side view and visible quantity before considering individual inspection.
Identify and date the reference behind any issue or production claim. Earlier labels and online images remain supporting leads.
One note per complete description
Begin with the visible name, wording, designs, dimensions, enclosure and present paper condition. Mark any unreadable field for later examination.
Keep ration coupons, foreign currency, commemorative notes or joined-note formats in separate groups when they appear in the same collection.
Check every field before handover
Photograph old sleeves, album pages and annotations without writing, stamping or adding a new label to the banknote itself.
Images can show broad damage, but paper composition, fine repairs and areas behind plastic may still need direct examination.
A practical Macau zodiac-note sequence
Start with the set, denomination, visible year wording and designs. Add the complete prefix and serial number only as far as each character can be read.
Use transmitted light briefly to show present paper features, then map filled holes, recolouring, pressing and replaced corners under normal light.
Separate direct observation from market terminology and provenance. Dimensions, images and serials belong to the note; family accounts remain contextual.
Repeat a conflicting measurement at the same point and preserve both readings with dates. Do not stretch or flatten the paper to force agreement.
For appraisal, bring the original enclosure and identify missing corners, margins or transmitted-light views. Safe limits are part of the evidence.
