How Vintage Postcards are Graded

Although terms used for grading vintage postcards vary between different collectors and dealers, there are some general conditions that are fairly standard. This condensed version should help explain the meaning behind the grading terms used by auction houses, dealers, and vintage postcard collectors.

Mint or Very Fine Condition

This is the highest grading term used to refer to a postcard that is new. It shows no defects. The postcard looks as if it just came off the press. It has no creases, no bends, no marks, no rounded or bent corners, and no writing or postmarks on either the front or the back of the postcard. The card looks fresh and clean.

Conservative vintage postcard dealers or collectors use this term less often, simply because they are aware that the card has been in possession for years.

Near Mint, Very Fine, or Exceptional Condition

This is a top quality grade of vintage postcard that may have very slight aging or some discoloration. It may be postally used or unused, may have writing on the address side, but the picture side is free of writing (unless from the early 1900's undivided back years). The card still looks clean, although it may have some album marks and does not look quite as fresh as mint. This grade is the one most vintage postcard dealers and collectors hope to find. It has high sales value for dealers and high worth for collectors.

Fine, Very Good or Good Condition

This term refers to a vintage postcard with some minor or acceptable defects, such as corners that are blunt or rounded. There might also be an undetectable crease or a bend in the postcard that does not detract from its overall appearance of the picture. There may be writing or a postmark on the address side or on the picture side, if the card is from the undivided back period of the early 1900's, when that was the place allowed for writing. There might also be album marks across the corners of the vintage postcard card.

Good, Fair or Poor

Vintage postcards of this grade are mainly used for placeholder or example copies. Although the postcard is intact, it has very blunt or rounded corners, very noticeable album marks, messy cancellation marks, pin holes, strains, picture side writing, or detectable creases or bends that detract from the overall appearance of the picture. Vintage postcards of this grade are not considered very collectible, unless the vintage postcard is quite scarce and difficult to obtain in any condition.

Vintage Postcard Grading Basics

An exceptional or near mint grade for one dealer may be a fine or very good grade for another. But generally, a very fine or mint grade means the vintage postcard is very collectible. A fine or very good vintage postcard grade means the vintage postcard is of collectable condition that will not require a collector to upgrade when a better one is found. A vintage postcard graded good, fair, or poor, refers to a postcard that serves to hold a place in an album until a better replacement is found. This grade is also acceptable for a vintage postcard that is extremely rare.