Collecting Postcards & the Many Categories to Choose From!
Collecting postcards can be a fun or a serious hobby; or even, a profession!
You choose!
Believe us! There are plenty of old postcards out there. You can take this hobby as far as you want to take it!
Perhaps, you already have a postcard scrapbook album, or two...or more!
Most people do!
Or, perhaps you have a drawer full, (or a box) of old postcards tucked away somewhere.
Most peoples do!
Why not organize them and "focus in" on your collection a little closer.
Go take a look!
C'mon! Why not get started now?
Maybe you already have decided on your collection intentions.
But why not take a look at some of these other options...before you decide!
(Don't forget to check out these pages, as well...
Postcard History and Postcard Condition and Postcard Guidelines.)
Don't Worry Postcard Collectors!
There is a Postcard for Everyone!
- Location - This is when you collect postcards by geographic location, such as your hometown/city, state, or region!
Most everyone we know does this! We always find ourselves looking for cards from our hometown!
- 1st Issues - These are cards that get postmarked on the exact day that they were issued. This makes them, by default, a limited edition card and is always collectible!
- Proof Editions These are cards limited in production by the artist and/or publisher. They are normally numbered and come in special packaging.
- Comic - Make collecting postcards fun by collecting vintage comic postcards. Though, much of the humor has been lost in time, they are still quite enjoyable and quite collectible!
- Signed - These cards, signed by the original artist can be highly collectible. Another version of "signed" would be where the person on the card has signed it, otherwise known as an autograph.
- Souvenir - A card that is a memento of your visit! i.e. "Greetings from Niagra Falls!"
These cards are usually only available on location. (Sorry, the quality of this 1907 postcard is a little rough!)
- Souvenir Packs - These were several postcards put together in a fold-out packet.
Or, they could be included loosely as individual cards as well.
And, they often came in different size packages. Large or small, they were a fun collectible!
- Artist - Many people define their collections by one artist or publisher. For example, cards from the publishing firm of Raphael Tuck & Sons are always very popular with collectors!
- Holiday Cards - As the name indicates, some people will collect cards based on specific holiday's such as, Christmas, Valetine's Day, Easter, New Year's, etc.
- Scenery - Again, some people will collect cards based on famous scenery views from around the world! i.e. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, etc. These cards could be paintings or photographs.
- Advertising - Advertising cards can be collectible for a variety of reasons, including: name of advertiser, type of card (photo or painting), and age of card. They appeal to both the advertising collector and the post card collector!
- Photographs - This could be a famous photo or a local event/place. It was common for local photographers to try and get a "piece of the pie" by publishing one of their photographs onto a postcard. We love these cards as they are often natural "un-posed" shots showing the ordinary life and times of that era.
- Election Cards - Though not considered a postcard, by itself, these cards became more and more popular, (for those who could afford to print them!)
This one measures 2x4 inches. It is dated Nov. 1914. The backside of the card includes many of Mr. Houck's fine qualities and previous job experience.
Looking for something else?
Use this search box and you're on your way!
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Random Notes...
Have you decided? No? Well, it really doesn't matter because you can't go wrong with any of your choices! They are all collectible in some manner!
Our Advice?
Start out slow when collecting postcards! Take your time, look around, and determine what style may be best suited for you! Then, step up your search a little bit.
Do your homework! Learn which cards (specifically) are more collectible within your category. Focus on these! Buy only high quality cards in excellent condition. Protect and preserve them (paper preservation), and they will hold their value!
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