Postcard Condition...Is It Really That Important?
Postcard condition is definitely important to a collector who is seriously collecting vintage postcards.
What about you? How serious is your collection? Do you already have a scrapbook album full of antique postcards? Then, yes, you should also be aware of the condition of your card collection.
Or, are you one of those people that simply shove these cards to back of the drawer. Shame on you! Well, maybe it's time to pull them out and put them in a scrapbook. Maybe?
Read on, to help determine where you fit in...
Postcard condition is often something that many people wonder (and worry) about; regardless of whether they are buying or selling.
Keep in mind, first and foremost one thing: age! The age of the card, (easily determined if it is postmarked) says a whole lot about the card itself.
Vintage postcards are normally graded using a similar scale. (see below shaded box). However, age is always a factor when determining its overall value!
An obvious analogy can be made here: a vintage postcard from the early 1900's in near mint condition is worth a whole lot more than, say, a card from 2002 in near mint condition. Right?
Value and Intent of Your Collection!
Here are a few factors that may influence your buying decision.
Why are you collecting?
- Hobby - Are you collecting postcards as a hobby? Great! Just keep in mind that the dollar value of your card collection is not relative until you decide to sell (except for insurance purposes).
Does that mean that you should just buy anything...in any condition? No! Look over the guidelines below to help make a smart purchase...because, someday, you might decide to sell!
- Business - Are you a little more serious? Planning on getting into business, or perhaps, you already have? Then, the postcard condition of the cards you chose to re-sell can make or break you!
Hopefully, the guidelines below will be "old news" to you! But read them anyway...for us!
- Sentimental - Perhaps, you don't even like postcards. Maybe you stumbled across a table full of old cards while waiting to get checked out at an antique mall. (By the way, what are you going to do with all of that antique jewelry?)
You find yourself flipping through the cards and discover that there a few cards from your hometown, back in Mound City, South Dakota. They are "beat-up" and in really bad condition! But you buy them anyway! Sentimental value has no limits!
Look! Our point here is that the postcard condition is relative to why you are collecting postcards in the first place! So, yes, to a serious collector, it is very important! But to a "one-time" buyer...not so much!
Basic Guidelines - Postcard Condition
For some additional postcard guidelines...click here! Postcard Guidelines
What You Want...
Obviously, you want a clean looking card that you can proudly display and/or sell for a profit! Here is where postcard condition is important. It should be:
- Clean - Free from dirt, grease and grime!
- Sharp - The edges should be relatively straight and sharp! Allow for some variance if the card has already been mailed!
- Ledgible - You want to be able to read what's on the card, including: actual correspondence, publisher's name, and any other markings, such as edition numbers.
- Post Mark - The post mark should also be clear and ledgible! Post marks reveal a lot about the card, such as: age-date, location, and amount of postage required!
What You Don't Want...
On the other hand, there are several factors that you don't want as they will decrease the value of your card! These would be:
- Frayed - Frayed edges are not uncommon on vintage postcards. But...you don't want them! It's a sign that the card was not stored properly and/or handled frequently.
- Watermarks - Watermarks and other various stains are not good for re-sell value! Avoid these cards!
- Folds - Folds, creases, and bent corners are definitely not good either! Move on to another card! There are plenty to choose from!
- Smell - Yes! Some older cards may have a bad odor! This could be the result of a number of factors, such as: mold & mildew, animal droppings (i.e. mouse poop in the bottom of an old box!), and many others...use your imagination!
- Foxing - What is foxing? Foxing is when you find brown patches or discoloration on the card, usually around the edges. Need we say it?
Random Notes
Hopefully, we have provided you with some help in evaluating the postcard condition of your buying decision.
Our Advice?
Take another look at that card before you buy it! How does it look, feel, & smell?
Once again...buy what you like! Like what you buy!
For a brief history on postcards, click here...Postcard History
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