POSTCARD GRADING SYSTEM

This is how we describe common conditions. Standards are high, so a card gets a lower number if there's any doubt. You won't be disappointed!  Grading categories are broadly in line with international standards, except that we don't use "Mint" or "Near Mint" because cards do age like the rest of us ... If anything isn't clear, please ask before you order.

 

Never Mailed

Mailed

1.Excellent  

                   

  • No significant marks
  • Appropriate age discoloration
  • No folds or tears
  • All stamp(s) intact
  • Original contents only; no extra notations
  • Little or no postmark smudging
  •      

    2.Very Good     

        

  • Somewhat more age discoloration
  • No significant folds or tears
  • No extra marking unless intended for the card               
  • All stamp(s) intact
  • Some age discoloration
  • No extra notations unless intended for the card
  • No significant stains, folds or tears
  •      

    3. Good

       

  • Age discoloration
  • Minor extra notation on back
  • Minor wear and tear
  • At least one stamp intact
  • Extra writing apart from original message
  • Age discoloration
  • Minor wear and tear
  • Possibly mailed from a different country
  •      

    4. Fair

      

  • Handwriting on back, front, or both
  • Age discoloration
  • Travel agency rubber stamp      
  • Wear and tear
  • Thumbtack hole(s)                         
  • Stamp(s) torn, missing, or defaced
  • Extra writing apart from original message on front, back, or both 
  • Message defaced 
  • Travel agency rubber stamp 
  • Notable wear and tear
  • Age discoloration
  • Thumbtack hole(s)
  •      

    5. Poor

       

  • Folds or tears
  • Significant staining
  • Major writing on front, back, or both
  • Space filler only (trust us)
  • Stamp(s) torn, missing, or defaced
  • Folds, tears, missing corner
  • Message defaced
  • Extra writing on front, back, or both
  • Space filler only (trust us)
  •