by Albert Aunchman

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2010

Post card collecting is an expansive hobby. There are few experts, which puts you in the middle of the runners before you've even started the race. There are millions of cards available on virtually every subject. Many have been priced without knowledge. They may show up at garage sales, flea markets, shops, and auctions. Since there are such a large variety of postcards collected they are usually valued by category.

Artist Signed- These postcards have the name of the artist on them and can be appraised as you would any piece of art. The more famous the artist, the greater the value of the card.

Mechanical and Hold up to the Light- these are novelty cards. Postcards can be found that have moving parts, or a special message may be revealed when held up to the light or even heat. People who love gadgets are especially fond of these postcards.

Advertising any card that touts Coca-Cola, S&H Green Stamps, International Harvester, Bell Telephone. Expos and Fairs are also very sought after.
Pioneer These are Souvenir, Mail or Correspondence cards. They have U.S postal markings dating from 1861 to May of 1898.
View Cards Most cards published in the U.S. are view or picture cards. Those that are pre W.W.1 with real brown-shaded sepia photos are most valuable.

There are many factors that make postcards valuable. Age, condition, subject matter, photo vs. printed, and even the postmark can figure into the assessed value of the postcard. If you end up with a sizable collection, you may want to have it appraised for insurance or estate purposes.

When choosing someone to do your appraisal, the best rule to follow is the same as with any other business transaction: Know who you are dealing with. Get referrals or check with a club or organization that deals with postcards. There are certain things about postcard appraising that is unique.

Be sure that your appraiser is knowledgeable about both sides of your postcard. The stamps and cancels on the back can sometimes be more valuable than the image on the other side. Pick and appraiser who is knowledgeable in stamp collecting as well as post card valuation. If only the picture side of the postcard is appraised, it can result in a low assessment leading to collections that are under-insured. This can happen even when dealing with honest, reputable people.

Before selling, it is always prudent to get more than one appraisal. With valuable collections it is always wise to have insurance that covers the upper end of the range of the appraisal to allow for inflationary pressures.

Whether you have a collection that is worth thousands or just has sentimental value, postcard collecting is a great hobby.

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