Postcard Values

 

The most asked question in my eMail: So what are my postcards worth?

Well, the value of old postcards can be estimated by researching how much items which are similar to yours are offered. Typically vintage 1893-1910 cards, considered antiques today, are more valuable. They are considered quite collectable. This is called the golden age of the postcard. 

Some topics are considered highly desirable. Here is a short list of the "better" cards. Note that this list may fluctuate over time as different topics come into favor. And the list is far from complete.

Santa of course
Hold to Light
Dressed cats for some reason
Halloween, and these can get quite pricey
Real photographs of USA Main streets
Motorcycles
Railroad Depots
Advertising
Silks
Store Interiors
Occupations
Exposition
World Fairs
Early Aviation
Early Automobiles

Well you get the idea.

Regular size cards 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches to include those made from about 1920 to 1960 are often 25 cents each and can be found in mixtures. I offer several of these mixtures of 100 for from 9.99 to $24.99 plus postage on eBay.

Modern cards which are 4 x 6 inches are valuable for personal interest but little else. They are referred to by collectors as continentals. I offer many on eBay for 10 cents each in groups of 100.

To get a proper evaluation of cards you may have, take them to a postcard show. Show them to several dealers. A postcard is only worth what ever a person is willing to pay, to quote a phrase.