| Common Early 1900s Postcards |
$1-$5 |
General greetings, common scenes |
| Halloween/Holiday Themed |
$20-$300+ |
Depends on artistry and condition |
| Small Town Views |
$5-$50 |
Rare locations command higher prices |
| Real Photo Postcards (RPPC) |
$10-$100+ |
Especially valuable with unique subjects |
| Artist-Signed Cards |
$15-$500+ |
Famous illustrators like Mucha or Kirchner |
| Hold-to-Light/Novelty Cards |
$25-$250 |
Mechanical or special effect postcards |
</tbody>
</table>
1. OldPostcards.com
OldPostcards.com stands as one of the most extensive online resources for postcard enthusiasts. Self-described as the “World’s Largest Postcard Web Site,” it offers:
- Vast searchable database of antique postcards
- Categorization by subject, location, and era
- Current market pricing for similar items
- Educational resources on postcard history and collecting
The site features a straightforward interface that allows users to browse by category, helping collectors understand the relative value of different postcard types based on actual selling prices.
2. Warwick & Warwick Valuations
Warwick & Warwick has established itself as a trusted authority in postcard valuations, with over 50 years in the auction trade. Their website offers:
- Free professional valuations of antique postcards
- Detailed postcard grading guide
- Expert articles on valuation factors
- Information on auction consignment for valuable cards
Their comprehensive guide on how to value old postcards is particularly useful for collectors trying to understand the condition grading system that significantly impacts postcard values.
Evolution of Postcard Collecting and Valuation
-
1860s-1870s
Early Postcard Era
First government-issued postcards appear in Austria and the United States. Limited collecting interest with minimal focus on monetary value.
-
1898-1915
Golden Age of Postcards
Explosion in popularity with billions of postcards produced annually. Early organized collecting began, but with limited price guides.
-
1940s-1970s
Collectors' Societies Form
Organized collecting clubs establish valuation standards. First printed price guides appear for serious collectors.
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1990s-2000s
Digital Transition
Early internet databases and auction sites begin tracking postcard values. First specialized websites appear.
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2010-Present
Online Valuation Era
Sophisticated databases, mobile apps, and specialized valuation websites make postcard appraisal more accessible than ever.
3. ValuablePostcards.com
ValuablePostcards.com focuses specifically on rare and valuable postcards, making it an excellent resource for collectors with potentially high-value items. The site features:
- Database of valuable and rare postcard sales
- Price tracking for premium categories
- Information on upcoming postcard auctions
- Educational content on identifying valuable specimens
This site is particularly useful for those interested in the upper end of the market, with examples of postcards selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
4. ValueMyStuff.com Postcard Appraisals
For those seeking professional opinions on their postcards, ValueMyStuff.com offers online expert appraisals with quick turnaround times. Their service includes:
- 24-hour expert appraisals from specialists
- Detailed valuation reports
- Authentication services
- Advice on potential auction value
This is an excellent option for collectors who have potentially valuable cards and need an official appraisal from recognized experts in the field.
5. eBay Collectible Postcards
eBay’s Collectible Postcards section provides a wealth of real-time market data for postcard valuation:
- Massive database of current listings
- “Sold Items” filter shows actual recent sale prices
- Advanced search options for era, location, subject, etc.
- Global market reach showing international valuation trends
To use eBay effectively for valuation, search for postcards similar to yours, then filter by “Sold Items” to see what buyers have actually paid recently, rather than just the asking prices of current listings.
6. Delcampe.net
Delcampe is a specialized marketplace for collectibles with a particularly strong focus on postcards. The site offers:
- Extensive European and international postcard listings
- Historical sales data for accurate valuations
- Community of specialized postcard collectors
- Searchable by location, theme, and era
This platform is especially valuable for European postcards and provides excellent comparative data for valuation purposes.
Antique Postcard Condition Assessment Checklist
Check all characteristics that apply to your postcard to determine its condition grade
7. Collectors.com
Collectors.com serves as a hub connecting various collectible marketplaces, including sections for postcards. Benefits include:
- Aggregated listings from multiple sources
- Price comparison across different platforms
- Authentication services for rare items
- Collector community with valuation discussions
This site helps bridge the gap between specialized postcard websites and general collectibles marketplaces, offering breadth of data across the collecting spectrum.
8. PostcardValues.com
PostcardValues.com (Note: URL provided for example; not confirmed as current) offers collectors:
- Searchable price guide database
- Articles on valuation factors
- Historical pricing trends
- Expert identification help
This type of specialized price guide website focuses exclusively on helping collectors understand the potential value of their postcards through educational content and pricing databases.
9. The Postcard Price Guide Book (Amazon)
While not a website itself, The Postcard Price Guide by J.L. Mashburn (available on Amazon) is a cornerstone reference for serious collectors. This comprehensive guide:
- Covers thousands of postcard categories
- Provides standardized price ranges
- Includes identification tips
- Offers historical context for different eras
Many collectors use this printed guide alongside online resources for the most thorough valuation approach.
10. Playle.com
Playle’s offers both an active marketplace and valuable reference materials for postcard collectors:
- Specialized search engine for postcards
- Price realization database
- Buyer/seller platform for transactions
- Educational articles on identification and valuation
Their searchable database of past sales provides solid comparative data for valuation purposes.
11. Reddit Postcard Communities
Several Reddit communities provide crowdsourced valuation assistance:
These forums allow collectors to post images of their postcards and receive feedback from knowledgeable community members about potential value and historical context.
12. Postcard Collector Forums
Dedicated postcard collector forums often have valuation sections where experts and enthusiasts help identify and value postcards:
These community resources tap into specialized knowledge that might not be available through general websites or price guides.
Notable Antique Postcard Auction Results
Recent high-value postcard sales demonstrating the upper end of the market
| Item |
Price |
Date |
Auction House |
| Titanic Maiden Voyage Postcard |
$18,000 |
October 2023 |
Heritage Auctions |
| "Hands Across the Sea" R.M.S. Empress of Ireland |
$298 |
September 2023 |
ValuablePostcards.com |
| Rare Halloween Witch Postcard |
$294 |
August 2023 |
eBay |
| Early Alphonse Mucha Art Nouveau Card |
$1,250 |
July 2023 |
Delcampe |
| San Francisco Earthquake 1906 RPPC |
$575 |
June 2023 |
Swann Auction Galleries |
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</table>
13. Facebook Collector Groups
Facebook hosts numerous active postcard collector groups where members regularly discuss valuation issues:
- Vintage Postcard Collectors
- Antique and Vintage Postcard Marketplace
- Real Photo Postcard Collectors
These groups combine the social aspects of collecting with practical valuation assistance, often providing quick responses to identification and pricing questions.
14. Smithsonian National Postal Museum
The Smithsonian National Postal Museum website offers:
- Historical context for different postcard eras
- Authentication guidelines
- Examples of significant postcards
- Research tools for identification
While not focused on current market values, this resource provides essential historical information that can help determine the significance and potential value of antique postcards.
15. The Chicago Postcard Museum
The Chicago Postcard Museum website includes:
- Detailed information on postcard dating
- Era identification guidelines
- Historical publishing information
- Categorization systems for postcards
Their guide on how to age a postcard is particularly valuable for collectors trying to establish the period of their cards—a critical factor in determining value.
Cross-Reference Multiple Sources
For the most accurate valuation, experts recommend consulting several different websites rather than relying on a single source. This approach helps account for:
- Regional pricing variations
- Different collector demographics across platforms
- Potential outlier prices that could skew perceptions
- Specialized knowledge in different collecting niches
A postcard might be valued differently on eBay versus a specialized auction house or collector forum, so collecting data from multiple sources creates a more reliable range.
Document Key Characteristics First
Before searching valuation websites, document these essential characteristics of your postcards:
- Approximate Age: Divided back? White border? Linen texture?
- Publisher Information: Check for publisher marks on the back
- Physical Dimensions: Standard or oversized?
- Subject Matter: Holiday, location, event, etc.
- Condition: Honest assessment using standard grading terms
- Special Features: Real photo, hold-to-light, embossed, etc.
Having this information ready will make your searches more efficient and accurate across valuation platforms.
Consider Professional Appraisal for High-Value Cards
If your initial research suggests you may have particularly valuable postcards (generally $100+), consider professional appraisal services like:
- ValueMyStuff.com’s 24-hour appraisal service
- Warwick & Warwick’s free valuation service
- Local auction house specialists
- Certified collectibles appraisers
These professional opinions can provide documentation for insurance purposes and maximum accuracy for high-value items.
Essential Antique Postcard Valuation Resources
Emerging Trends in Postcard Valuation
The world of antique postcard valuation is experiencing several important developments:
- Mobile Apps: Dedicated apps for quick postcard identification and valuation
- AI Recognition: Emerging tools that can identify postcard publishers and styles from images
- Blockchain Authentication: Digital certificates of authenticity for rare postcards
- Virtual Collection Management: Tools that track collection value over time
- Augmented Reality: Apps that can overlay historical information and value estimates
These innovations are making postcard valuation more accessible while potentially adding new dimensions to how collectors assess and track the value of their items.
Market Trends Affecting Values
Several current market factors are influencing antique postcard values:
- Growing interest in local history postcards as community identity becomes more important
- Increased value for cards showing vanished landmarks or cultural practices
- Rising premium for handwritten cards with historical context
- New collector interest in photochrom and real photo postcards (RPPCs)
- Generational shifts in collecting priorities affecting which themes command premium prices
Staying informed through the websites listed in this guide can help collectors navigate these changing market dynamics.
Common Questions About Antique Postcard Valuation
How do I know if my old postcards are valuable?
To determine if your old postcards might be valuable, check for several key factors:
- Age: Cards from the Golden Age (1905-1915) or earlier tend to be more valuable
- Condition: Mint or near-mint condition significantly increases value
- Subject Matter: Rare themes like Halloween, Santa Claus, disasters, or small town views
- Type: Real Photo Postcards (RPPCs), hold-to-light, or mechanical postcards
- Rarity: Limited edition cards or those from small towns
- Artist: Cards by known illustrators or photographers
For an accurate assessment, compare your cards to similar examples on specialized websites like OldPostcards.com or review recent sales of comparable items on eBay’s "Sold Items" listings.
What is the best way to sell vintage postcards?
The best selling method depends on the value and quantity of your vintage postcards:
For valuable individual cards ($50+):
- Specialized auction houses like Warwick & Warwick
- Premium collector websites like Delcampe.net
- Direct sales to established dealers
For moderate value cards ($10-$50):
- eBay with detailed descriptions and quality photos
- Collector forums and Facebook groups
- Regional postcard shows and collector meetups
For common cards or bulk lots:
- eBay sold as themed lots
- Local antique shops or malls
- Online marketplaces like Etsy for crafters and decorators
Avoid selling at general antique shops without researching values first, as you may not receive fair market value for specialized items like postcards.
How can I appraise vintage postcards online?
To appraise vintage postcards online:
-
Research Comparable Sales: Search eBay’s "Sold Items" filter to see recent prices for similar postcards
-
Use Specialized Databases: Visit websites like OldPostcards.com or ValuablePostcards.com to search for similar items
-
Request Expert Assessment: Submit photos to professional appraisal services like ValueMyStuff.com for a fee-based expert opinion
-
Join Collector Communities: Post clear images to specialized forums like Reddit’s r/ephemera or Facebook collector groups for community feedback
-
Cross-Reference Price Guides: Compare findings with established references like J.L. Mashburn’s "The Postcard Price Guide"
For the most accurate results, assess the card’s condition honestly using standard grading terminology and provide clear photos showing both front and back details.
Is there a market for antique postcards?
Yes, there is a robust market for antique postcards, though it's characterized as a "soft" market with more sellers than buyers for common cards.
The market varies significantly by category:
-
Top Tier: Rare, exceptional postcards (Halloween, early Santa Claus, historical events, famous artists) can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars to specialized collectors
-
Mid-Range: Quality cards with popular themes (early transportation, attractive city views, well-executed art) typically sell for $10-$50 depending on condition
-
Common Cards: Standard greetings, common scenes, and later postcards usually sell for $1-5 each
The market is most active on:
- Online platforms (eBay, Delcampe)
- Specialized postcard shows and events
- Through dealer networks and auction houses
- Direct collector-to-collector sales via forums
Specialized subjects typically attract more interest and higher prices than general views or greetings.
How do I identify antique postcards?
To identify antique postcards, examine these key features:
Postcard Back Design:
- Undivided Back (pre-1907): One side only for address, no message area
- Divided Back (post-1907): Line down middle separating message and address areas
Printing Information:
- Look for "Printed in Germany" (common pre-WWI)
- Publisher names (Raphael Tuck, Detroit Publishing Co., etc.)
- Patent dates or copyright information
Physical Characteristics:
- Standard Size: Typically 3.5" x 5.5" (though sizes varied)
- White Border Era: 1915-1930
- Linen Era: 1930-1945 (textured surface)
- Chrome Era: Post-1945 (glossy, color photography)
Postmark Date (if used):
- Provides exact dating, though not all cards were mailed
The Chicago Postcard Museum offers an excellent guide to postcard age identification with detailed visual examples of different eras.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Antique Postcard Valuation Resources
The world of antique postcard collecting offers both historical fascination and potential financial value. By leveraging the specialized websites, auction platforms, reference guides, and community resources outlined in this guide, collectors can make informed decisions about their postcard treasures.
Remember that the most accurate valuations come from cross-referencing multiple sources and considering all aspects of a postcard’s condition, rarity, age, and subject matter. While online resources provide excellent starting points, building relationships with established collectors and dealers can provide additional insights that may not be readily available online.
Whether you’re evaluating an inherited collection, considering purchases for investment, or simply curious about the historical items in your possession, these antique postcard value websites offer the tools and knowledge to navigate this specialized collecting field with confidence.
For collectors looking to expand their knowledge further, consider joining a local or online postcard collector’s club, attending specialized shows, or investing in comprehensive reference books to complement the digital resources explored in this guide.
