Question on old postcard collecting

[x2drich2000]

In general I think the value still goes down as people consider them to be marked and the grade suffers as a result. Though I feel like the TPG don't hit them as hard for the writing as they would a standard card. Personally though, I think it gives a great snapshot into people's lives so I have no problem getting ones that are used.

[mrreality68]

I agree with the above mostly if you have it graded by PSA, SGC etc the grade would go down to the condition ( in part the mail and handling) and the writing etc.
The value also depends on the subject matter or the postcard and potentially even the date and context of the postcard writing. For example I saw a postcard that was about a historical game( sadly I do not recall the postcard) and it was dated and mailed on that game.

But in general I think post cards are still under appreciated and under valued. Although they are in recent years starting to escalate in price spending on the player or team etc on it

I was not into post cards but made the leap about 2 years ago

[EddieP]

I supposed the PC will go down in price with a postmark and writing because of the emphasis with looks and Grades. That being said I prefer the ones with postmarks ( free authentication from the USPS), messages and addresses. I view it as a time capsule that you can fit in the palm of your hand: 1) it shows how people thought during then, 2) it shows how the US population grew. The really old ones had only a name, city and state. Then postal codes were added, followed by zip codes, to finally the ZIP+ 4 numbers. 3) it shows how areas changed. Doing a google search on a home address most often shows the area became a retail/ business zone, and 4) you can get some really cool stamps.

[Casey2296]

Love that PC Leon.

[BobC]

If nothing else, a PC being mailed and cancelled pretty much guarantees authenticity, right? I personally don't mind any writing on the back as much, but as mentioned by some, there will always be those who devalue a PC for having any writing on it.

[JustinD]

I personally prefer them postally used for several reasons -

• Dates the piece
• I am a retired philatelist but still love a stamp on things
• The writing can really add to the piece if it pertains to the subject
• character
• character
• and character

I am also occasionally really good at bidding on postcards and then seeing Leon post them after he beats me out, lol.

[joejo20]

I like them postmarked especially if they have a note pertaining to the image but not sure if it increases value. Here is one which pictures three T206 Players who were hired guns on this Northern Michigan Team. It is one I wish had a postmark and writing on the back so I could learn more about it.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by BobC

If nothing else, a PC being mailed and cancelled pretty much guarantees authenticity, right? I personally don't mind any writing on the back as much, but as mentioned by some, there will always be those who devalue a PC for having any writing on it.

I've seen antique postcards mailed fairly recently, like maybe 10 years ago.

Some have also been reprinted out of nostalgia, and those get mailed a lot.

But in General, if it's got a stamp and cancel from 1910 then it's at least that old.