Collectible Postcards

Which Postcards Are the Most Collectible?

For collectors of postcards, the Golden Age ran from the beginning of the 20th century until 1914. During this period, cards transitioned from undivided backs to divided backs and became more attractive as collectibles. Europe produced the most impressive cards, with high-quality printing, rich colors, and embossed images. Fortunately, collecting postcards is a consistently popular hobby, and many of the beautiful cards from this period have survived in good condition for collectors to enjoy today.

What Are Divided Back and Undivided Back Postcards?

Originally, postal laws prohibited the writing of a message and address on the same side of a postcard. In 1907, the regulations changed, making it easy to identify postcards from before or after 1907. Earlier postcards have undivided backs and usually have a white space on the front to add a message. Later postcards have a vertical line on the reverse to separate the address and the message and larger images on the front. These later postcards also tend to have more elaborate designs, including novelty elements.

What Are Novelty Postcards?

Novelty postcards are some of the most desirable postcards from a collecting perspective. They have unique elements such as moving components, ribbons, and pop-up sections. Silk postcards with delicate embroidered images were popular during World War I. Soldiers often sent them home to loved ones, and many of these cards are very popular with collectors. Leather is another unusual material for postcards, and leather postcards with etched designs are attractive additions to a collection.