Postcard Collecting

Deltiology: the hobby of postcard collecting

Brief History
1860 - First picture postcards originated in Europe
1873 - First official governmental postals came out in the United States
1898 - Act of Congress allowed private companies to publish and sell postcards
1900 to WWI - Postcards were in their "Heyday", many printed in Germany with their superior lithography
1920's - Views, real photo cards, and scenic cards took over the postcard industry
1945 - Folded greeting cards replaced most greeting postcards

 
 

Postcard Eras

Grading System
1898-1900  Private Mailing Cards

1901-1907 Undivided Backs (only name and address allowed on back, no dividing line)

1907-1915 Golden Age (beginning of divided backs, beautiful lithography, people started collections)

1916-1930 White Border (white edge, generally inferior printing, cost cutting)

1930-1945 Linens (linen texture, more vibrant colors)

1946-2003 Chromes

 

 Mint: Perfect card, no bends, creases, marks, postmark, or writing
Near Mint: Almost like mint but with some slight discoloration or light aging
Excellent: Similar to mint but may have been postally used with writing on back; no bends or creases, front is fresh and clean
Very Good: Some slight corner or edge wear, undetectable bend that does not distract from overall impact
Good: Corners and edges noticeably worn, some slight soil
Average: Creases and bends, writing or postmark showing on picture side, more rounded corners
Poor: Card is stained, soiled and worn but if rare, could still be collectible

 

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