Grading Postcards Based On Appearance

By Author: Kaitlyn Miller
Total Articles: 90
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Whether you are just a newbie in collecting postcards or you already have an extensive collection, it is nice to be able to grade your items based on their appearance. That way you will also know how much your collection is worth in terms of the aesthetic value of your cards. Postcard printing has changed so much over the years, but the grading is really mostly based on its current appearance.

Below is a rundown of the common categories used to grade the condition of postcards. Although it is not perfect, as one’s interpretation varies from another, it can still give you a pretty good idea of a card’s appearance; especially if you are engaged in the selling, buying, and trading of postcards. The grading system kind of ensures that you are getting what you asked or paid for. This is particularly true for vintage kinds. Many collectors seek these old cards because of their historical value. But most of them are already badly damaged. So before making a purchase, get the grade of the card so you will know what to expect.

1. A postcard in “mint condition” is one that has never been used. It is in pristine ...
... condition and is usually contained in its original packaging. Mint vintage cards in unopened packages will command a great price in auctions.

2. When you have a card that only has very little damages even if it was already used, then you can call it in “Excellent Condition”. These cards still have very sharp colors and have unbent corners. It seems like these cards were especially hand-carried and had not endured rigors in postage.

3. A card that has some damages like slight discolorations from age may still be graded as “Very Good.” These cards may have been damaged a bit in postage or have been marked during album storage but their image is still intact. Very Good cards do not have creases. Its damages are really minor.

4. When a postcard is already creased and has many other visible damages because of any one reason or another, then you may as well just call it “Good.” But the image itself should not have imperfections like scratches or peeled areas.

5. When you encounter a card that is already creased, has lots of stains, has water damage, or has some bent edges, then call it “Fair”. That is how you call its grade but there is nothing fair here because these cards are no longer sought by collectors, unless of course, it has a historical significance.

6. Now, after all the grades listed above, there are still the “Poor” Cards. The images on these Poor postcards have already been compromised because of the damages. These are no longer considered by collectors unless it came from or was signed by an important historical figure. Postcards with love messages from famous people are really great items to add to any collection.

Even if you do not want to sell or trade your postcards, it is nice to grade them all even for just bragging rights. But if you do wish to sell or trade them with other collectors from all over the world, you will need to take photos of you cards. Place them on plain backgrounds and take individual photos. Your contact from the other side of the world should be able to clearly see the postcard printing quality so that you will have a smooth transaction.

For more information, you can visit this page on postcard printing