Postcards have been published in several different printing eras from the 1870's until the present. Each publishing period has its own peculiarities which can be used to identify the age of a postcard. Listed below are seven of the more prominent eras of postcard publishing.

THE PIONEER CARD ERA (1893 - 1898)

Postal Cards, as they were often referred to, derived from earlier Trade Cards of the second half of the 19th Century after the Civil War. The Pioneer Era goes back to the 1870s, but it officially began for many collectors when picture postcards were sold at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in May of 1893. Their great success ensured that postcard collecting, then and now, would become a viable hobby.

Pioneer Cards, and government issued Postals, are not too common. They can be identified by distinctive features such as undivided backs and a postage rate of 2 cents. The fact that the postage rate was the same as a letter did not offer any incentive for the use or publication of many Pioneer Cards.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF POSTCARDS (1898 -1915)

THE PRIVATE MAILING CARD ERA (1898 -1901)

On May 19, 1898 (effective July 1, 1898), the U.S. government gave private printers permission to print and sell postcards. "Private Mailing Card" was printed on each card, making them easy to identify. The postage rate was reduced to One-Cent as an experiment by the government to increase revenue and was extremely successful. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Postcards, circa 1898-1915. Perhaps the most important reason for the popularity of postcards was that they became the least expensive and main form of communication throughout the world until the advent of the telephone and radio beginning with WWI.

THE UNDIVIDED BACK ERA (1901 - 1907)

On December 24, 1901, Congress permitted "Post Card" to be printed on the backs of privately printed cards. However, these cards continued to have undivided backs. The user was required to write the address on the back and the message on the front of the card. For this reason many of these cards have blank areas, or open spaces, on the front for writing the message.

THE DIVIDED BACK ERA (1907 -1915)

On March 1, 1907, Congress followed the lead of several European nations and permitted postcards to be divided down the middle of the back, making it possible for both the address and the message to be written on the back. The entire front side of the card could now be used for the image. This era saw an explosion of postcard publishing and postcards quickly became the most popular collectible in the world. There was competition between publishers to produce the finest and most collectible postcards possible.

THE WHITE BORDER ERA (1915 - 1930)

The Golden Age of Postcards came to an end as World War I began and imports from Germany ceased. Many of the best printers in the world were based in Europe, mostly from Germany. Publishers in the U.S. began printing postcards to try to fill the void from the European printers, but the majority of these American cards were of poor quality. These cards are easily distinguished by the white border around the pictured area and the lower quality printing. Due in part to the poor printing quality, the White Border Era brought an end to the postcard craze.

THE LINEN ERA (1930 -1945)

Improved printing technology in 1930 developed by the Curt Teich Company in Chicago led to improved card quality and more colorful printing. Publishers began using a linen-like paper containing a high rag content and bright, colorful inks. Postcards published during this era are gaining in popularity and value since many middle aged people can identify with these views, most of which have changed in the intervening years.

PHOTOCHROME ERA (1939 - Present)

"Modern Chromes" were first introduced in 1939. Publishers began producing cards with vibrant chrome colors which appealed to collectors. Early Chromes date pre-1964 are often referred to as Pre-Zip Code Chromes. These cards are gaining in value and popularity since many "Baby Boomers" can identify with the images on these cards. Once thought to be modern postcards, these cards are now antiques from the last century. The Early Chromes cards are now at least 40 years old and the views are dated.

REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS (1903 - Present)

Real Photo postcards date as early as 1903 when the 'Snap-Shot" camera by Kodak became popular. Photographs taken by private individuals with early postcard cameras were developed with a postcard back and could be sent through the mail throughout the world. These cards are highly collectible because of the likelihood that these views are unique. Real Photo postcards are important photographic documents that have historical value and as a group have increased in price tremendously in the last couple of decades. Real Photo postcards that have the most value usually date pre-1935.

The condition of a postcard, as with other paper ephemera, is an extremely important factor in its value. However, as cards become harder to find the overall condition is becoming less important. This is especially true with real photo cards or rare published cards. If the image on the front of a real photo card is in good condition then the condition of the back of the card does not necessarily reduce the overall value of the card.

To help determine a card's value, the following grading standard has been established, and is generally accepted by most dealers and collectors.

Mint

A card as perfect as if it had just come off the printing press. No marks, bends, or creases. No writing or postmarks. Such a perfect card is seldom seen.

Near Mint

Like Mint but with very light aging or discoloration from being in an album or other unprotected storage format.

Excellent

Like mint in appearance with no bends or creases. May be postmarked or with writing and postmark on the address side.

Very Good

Corners may be slightly rounded. An almost undetectable crease is acceptable. May have writing or a postmark on the address side. Still quite collectible.

Good

Corners may be noticeably rounded with slight bends or creases. May be postmarked or have writing on address side.

Fair

Excess stains, creases, writing or other marks may affect the picture, but the card is still collectible if it's scarce. Condition, rarity, subject, print quality, demand, and to a lesser degree age also determine value.

Collectibility of postcards change as desirability changes. Currently desirable subjects include national parks, animals, art deco, artist signed, linen advertising, pretty women, and children. Real photo postcards are becoming collectible and are gaining in value. Postcards appeal to almost anyone's collection and are not too expensive to purchase. Paper ephemera, including postcards and trade cards, are gaining in popularity and value as collectibles.

In terms of specific value, several factors determine a card's price. While condition is usually the most important determinant, other factors such as a card's availability, its current location, and subject matter can also affect the value the card.

There are several views on printed cards, and some real photos, of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. However, a real photo card of the Fountain Hotel in Yellowstone Park would be extremely rare and much more valuable. Postcards have gained in popularity tremendously in the last few decades and may once again be the most popular collectible in the world, the position they enjoyed during the Golden Age of Postcards, 1898-1915.

Views of specific locations are more likely to be sought by collectors who live in those areas and would be more valuable if they could be found there. A real photo scene of Bozeman might be worth $25.00 in Bozeman but only a few dollars in New York City or Los Angeles. Montana and other rural western state postcards in general are considered collectible few cards were published of these states.

Regardless of where they can be found, certain subjects are more sought after by collectors. Thousands of subjects are available to collect on postcards. No category is too narrow or too broad, whether it's political conventions, railroad depots, left-handed twins, or cats riding on trains through orange groves (there actually are cards and collectors of these subjects).