Unlocking Past Secrets: A Guide to Accurately Value Old Postcards with Stamps

Old yellowing postcards adorned with stamps can bring back a treasure trove of memories. Have you recently stumbled upon a collection of old postcards that were lying tucked in your attic? Then you must be curious about their real worth. Old postcards that you come across in flea markets too can be valuable. But accurately judging the value of old postcards with stamps can be quite a challenge. To help you carry out a precise valuation you can reach out to Appraisily experts who have years of experience under their belt.

This blog will serve as your guide with insights and tips to help you accurately uncover the hidden value of old postcards. Let’s dive in.

7 Factors that Influence Value of Old Postcards with Stamps

Understand the Basics of Postcard Collecting:

Before you begin with the process of finding the value of your old postcards, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of postcard collecting. For this you will need to educate yourself on the different eras of postcard production. Right from the “Golden Age” (1898-1919) to the “Linen Era” (1930s-1950s), and beyond. The knowledge about these various eras will help you understand how to club your old collection of postcards according to their age, rarity, condition, and historical significance. All these factors play a role in determining a postcard’s real value.

Assess the Condition:

Next check the condition of the postcard you are trying to value. Here you will need to look at factors such as creases, tears, discoloration, and damage to both the postcards and the stamps. Postcards that are in mint condition with their stamps intact usually have a higher value than those that show minimal signs of wear and tear or that have damaged stamps.

Examine the Stamps:

Once you have unlocked the age and judged the condition of your postcards, examine the stamps on them. It’s true that they can add a layer of complexity to the valuation process but their proper and accurate examination can help you determine the precise value of your old postcard collection. You should also examine the stamps on the postcards for rare or unusual varieties. This is because certain stamps might have been used only for a brief period. This can make them more valuable to collectors and add extra worth to your postcard collection. You can also cross-reference stamp catalogs and online resources to help you identify any unique or rare stamps that could be on your postcards.

Research Historical Significance:

Context matters. That is why it is important to research the historical significance of your old postcards. You will need to find out if they are tied to a significant event, location, or cultural moment. Old postcards that capture unique moments in history or showcase iconic landmarks may have a higher value and fetch a better price in the old commodities market.

Identify Uncommon Themes or Subjects:

Do any of the postcards in your collection feature unusual images or have early depictions of certain locations? Old postcards that stand out due to their uncommon themes or subjects usually have a greater value than those with ordinary subjects. Even old postcards that feature rare promotional material may be more sought after by collectors or demand a higher price.

Consult Price Guides and Online Platforms:

To be sure that the value of your old postcard with stamp is correct you can utilize price guides and online platforms to get a sense of the market value for similar postcards. You can also visit websites, auctions, and collector forums as they can provide valuable insights into what other enthusiasts are willing to pay for similar items.

Seek Professional Appraisal:

For a more professional and accurate valuation, you can even consider seeking the help of an expert appraiser. These professionals have immense experience in valuing old items including postcards with stamps. They can provide an in-depth assessment, while taking into account all relevant factors that ensure the accurate valuation of your old postcards. You can seek expert advice in this regard from experienced Appraisily appraisers who can guide you to carry out an accurate valuation of your old postcard collection.

Cited Source

https://www.womansworld.com/posts/money/old-postcards-value