Grading Postcards

DESCRIPTION OF POSTCARD CONDITION


When buying or selling postcards, everyone wants to know the condition of the postcard. This rating system is used for older or antique postcards.

M - Mint
A perfect card just as it comes from the printing press. No marks, bends, or creases. No writing or postmarks. A clean and fresh card. Seldom seen.

NM - Near Mint
Like Mint but very light aging or very slight discoloration from being in an album for many years. Not as sharp or crisp.

EX - Excellent
Like mint in appearance with no bends or creases, or rounded or blunt corners. May be postally used or unused and with writing and postmark only on the address side. A clean, fresh card on the picture side.

VG - Very Good
Corners may be a bit blunt or rounded. Almost undetectable crease or bend that does not detract from overall appearance of the picture side. May have writing or postally used on address side.

G - Good
Corners may be noticeably blunt or rounded with noticeably slight bends or creases. May be postally used or have writing on the address side.

FR - Fair
Card is intact. Excess soil, stains, creases, writing, or cancellation may affect picture. Could be a scarce card that is difficult to find in any condition.




DESCRIPTION OF POSTCARD CONDITION


10, Unused in superb condition

9. Used or unused, almost perfect

8. Very minor wear, no album marks

7. Slight wear or album marks

6. Slight corner rounding, minimum wear

5. Minor corner or edge damage

4. Some damage or minor creasing

3. Edge damage or major creasing

2. Considerable damage

1. Major damage ie. part missing




DESCRIPTION OF POSTCARD CONDITION


VRG  Multicard lot : majority in good condition

VRF Multicard lot : majority in fair condition

VAR Multicard lot : not in any particular grade category