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.


AUCTION ABBREVIATIONS
Und/B-Undivided Back 1901-1907
DB-Divided Back 1907-1915
WB-White Border 1916-1930
L-Linen era 1930-1945
C-Chromes 1945 to 1970s
Cont. sz - 4"x6" chromes 1970s up
b/w-black and white
cof-cancel on face
crs-crease
cnr-corner
emb-embossed
lt-light
m/t-margin tear
o/w-otherwise
p/ or pub - publisher
pm-postmarked
RP-Real Photo
s/ or sgn - artist signed
s/m-stamp missing
u-used
unu-unused
wob-writing on back
wof-writing on face
a number within parenthesis indicates quantity of cards in lot.