Grading Picture Postcards

To facilitate communication between sellers and buyers, it is essential that grading terms and their meanings be as standardized and as widely used as possible. The grades and definitions cannot reconcile all the various systems and grading terminology variants. Rather, the attempt is made to try and diminish the controversy with some common-sense grades and definitions that aim to give more precise meaning to the grading language of picture postcards.

At Collectweb and Corné Akkermans Auctions grading is done with the utmost care and slightly conservative. The age, rarity or type of an item is not a consideration in grading. We grade each item by the weaker of the two sides. Additional to the grade of an item we will always mention the extra defects like "stains", "tears", "pinholes", "staple holes", "writing on face", "tape rests".

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.