How do I know if my old postcards are valuable?

Assessing an old postcard’s value The first thing to do is to determine the approximate age of the cards, as the vast majority of cards issued after the 1960s have very little value. The postmarks on the reverse of the postally used cards are a reliable guide.

What are the most valuable old postcards?

Some of the most valuable postcards are Pioneer postcards, which were manufactured between 1873 and 1897 in the U.S. These cards are unique in that you won’t find a message on the backside, only the address. The postal service prohibited writing messages on the back of postcards until the early 1900s.

Is there a market for old picture postcards?

Postcard are a popular category of collectibles, with many divisions that make it easy to find an area of interest for just about anyone. A. Postcards, especially old ones, can be very collectible. People are often surprised at the high prices some can command.

What is the most valuable postcard?

The most valuable picture postcard in the world was sent by Theodore Hook Esq. to himself in 1840 and was bought at the London Stamp Exchange auction, UK on 8 March 2002 by collector Eugene Gomberg (Latvia) for £31,758.75 ($45,370.60). It is also considered to be the oldest postcard in the world.

What makes real photo postcards valuable to collectors?

Collectible postcards Look for obvious signs of century-old aging and also for the ‘place one-cent stamp here’ box printed on the address side of the card. Collectors also look for trademarks such as VELOX, SOLIO, CYKO, AZO (with a triangle border, pointing up) and ARGO.

How do I sell my postcards?

How to sell old postcards

1. Step 1 – Store your postcards properly.
2. Step 2 – Research the value of your cards.
3. Step 3 – Visit vintage markets & postcard fairs.
4. Step 4 – Trade with a postcard dealer.
5. Step 5 – List your items on eBay.
6. Step 6 – Offer postcards for sale at auction.
7. Step 7 – Sell to an auction house outright.

How do I sell collectible postcards?

How do you date a vintage postcard?

17-18), postcard size can also be a clue. Ø If the card is old and is larger than 3.5 by 5.5 inches, it may date from before 1898. Ø If the card is old and is slightly smaller than 3.5 by 5.5 inches, it may date from 1898-1902. Ø If the card measures 3.5 by 5.5 inches, it was probably made between 1902 and 1970.

What makes a postcard rare?

Rarity. As with all antique items, rarity brings up the value of postcards. If only a few of the cards were printed or only a small number have survived the ages, your card may be very valuable. However, rarity goes hand-in-hand with other characteristics; if only a single card was printed, that makes it rare.

Is there a market for postcards?

Postcards are sold regularly in vintage markets and online; the market is “soft” which means that there are usually more sellers than buyers. Although high prices are rare, a postcard collection can be sold to willing collectors by learning about the market.

How do you tell the age of a postcard?

If the postcard is used, the most check the date on the postmark. However, there are many postcards that were never mailed or that a part of the post mark is illegible or soiled.

When was the golden age of postcards?

1907 until 1915
These changes to the backs of postcards ushered in the Divided Back Period, which spans from 1907 until 1915. The Divided Back Period is also known as the “Golden Age of Postcards,” due to the vast popularity of postcards during this time period.

How do you price old postcards?

How to Assign Value to an Antique Postcard

1. Examine the Card. Note the condition of the card, the picture on it, and identifying factors, and the age.
2. Look Up the Card. Postcard price and identification guides are useful tools in determining the current market value of postcards.
3. Assess Market Demand.
4. Professional Appraisal.

How can you tell how old a postcard is?

What do you do with a postcard collection?

How much did a postcard cost in 1872?

In 1872, new legislation made private postcards more expensive to mail (2 cents up from 1 cent) and prioritized government-issued cards. Government cards were the only ones that could legally say “Postal Card” and they cost 1 cent – half as much as private cards. A government-issue postal card from 1892. Image courtesy of Flickr user Wylan.

Are the stamps on these postcards of any value?

“Are the stamps on these postcards of any value?” This is another question we are often asked. Generally, the answer is ‘no’ because postcard mailing from most countries was prolific. The stamps needed to cover the postage rate were also produced in vast quantities and are still very common.

How much is the oldest postcard worth?

Age The oldest known picture postcard sold in 2002 at the London Stamp Exchange auction for just under $50,000 dollars. Posted in 1840, the postcard’s value lay in its significant age, as well as the fact that it was among the earliest cards printed and mailed.

How can you tell if a postcard is from 1910?

Though the ink is spotty, one can just make out “10” at the end of the postal cancel date, identifying that this postcard is from 1910. Image courtesy of PepePostcards.