One person is interested in postcards picturing motels of the past. Another collector will search for postcards for a particular state, or country. The collectors more or less set the price by the extend of the interest in a particular card. Interest equals value.
Vintage and antique postcards are a very fun and affordable hobby and easy to collect. Prices vary and range from a few pennies, and may go up to hundreds of dollars or more for rare cards.
Age
Antique postcards date from 1800's when it is reported that J.P. Carlton won a patent for the first private postcard, cards produced up to around the 1940's then are antique, anything after that is considered vintage. An antique postcard will garner a much higher price than a vintage postcard.
Condition
These items could have gotten wet, or they may be dirty with age, they cold be wrinkled and folded. Look for cards that are in Mint condition, with no water damage, creases or damage. Depending on what kind of ink used, it can fade; pencil however does last longer than ink in some cases. People's handwriting can be hard to read. Postcards in mint-to good condition are easier to read, and ease of reading equals more value.
These antiquarian items are correspondence type postcards that were intended to be sent, received and then discarded. These were treasures sent from loved ones and friends, thus were saved over the years, usually for sentimental reasons.
If you have a collection of antique or vintage postcards, you might want to appraise the market value of your interesting hobby! Of course a professional appraiser may be hired for this thereby you will have the value of your investments in writing.
Knowledge is of course the first tool to seek. "Study to show yourself approved" in this field. Read reference books and consult with the experts on antique postcards, thereby you gain knowledge.
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