Postcard Codes, Abbreviations & Definitions
The Listed code definitions below are used by most postcard collectors. I tis suggested that you copy / save this list for reference.
Abbreviations used for Indicating Condition
Code | Definition | Clarification |
|---|---|---|
Note: A (+) sign or (-) sign may be used to distinguish between values below | ||
mt/MT | Mint | Card has no flaws what-so-ever,same condition as was issued. Usually never used in any way. If postally used, MUST be noted-PMKD. |
ex/EX | Excellent | Card may have very slight/faint edge, and corner wear, no face, or back damage at all. No Creases, can be postally used. Canceled on front-always noted-COF. No Writing on front-always noted-WOF. |
vg/VG | Very Good | Card may have noticeable edge wear and corner damage, face/back have no noticeable damage. Creases are always noted. Can be postally used. Sometimes Canceled on Front. Could have light writing on front, usually around edge, or where appropriate to write. |
gd/GD | Good | Card can have more noticeable edge wear and corner damage/creases, face/back may have minor damage. Usually postally used. Can have writing on front, edges and / or where appropriate for writing. |
fr/FR | Fair | Card can have very noticeable edge wear and corner damage/creases, face/back can have damage. Creases will be obvious. |
pr/PR | Poor | Card has heavy damage in all respects. Usually only kept until a better card is found. Use as a space filler. |
Other Helpful definiton of terms that may be of some use to new poastcard collections
Description | Definition |
|---|---|
Antique Postcard | Generally any postcard published before WW I. |
Arcade Card | Postcard size, but without a postcard back. Usually came from vending machines |
Artist Signed | The artist's signature is reproduced with the artwork on the postcard. |
Chrome Era | The term Chrome originated with Kodak's Kodachrome film. Chromes were the first color postcards produced from color film and printed with the photo mechanical process. Union oils of 1939 were the first chromes. Chromolithograph: Sometimes called "Chromo" a reproduction process using finely grained lithographic tones from continuous-tone negatives. |
Chromolithograph | Sometimes called "Chromo" a reproduction process using finely grained lithographic tones from continuous-tone negatives. |
Continental Size | Postcards measuring 4" by 6". Most published after 1940's. Many Foreign cards are were also published prior to 1940's. |
Deltiology | The collecting and study of postcards. The words is derived from "delti" (Little picture) and "logy" theory, science, or study of. |
Golden Age | The period between the Spanish American War and World War I when the collecting of postcards was at it's peak. |
Linen Era: | Were widely printed in the U.S. in the late 1930's and earlu 1940's when access to quality European printing was restricted by high tariffs. Linens are typically printed in vivid colors on paper with a line-textured surface, and they tend to have a shadowless airbrushed appearance. |
Pioneer Postcard | A postcard produced prior to July 1, 1898 of the Private Mailing Act of May 19, 1898. |
Private Mailing Card | A card mailed between 1898 and 1902. |
Standard Size | Postcard measuring 3 1/2" by 5 1/2", either vertical, or horizontal |
Real Photo | A picture postcard made directly on photographic paper with a postcard back |
SASE | Self addressed, stamped envelope. A query which does not include remittance, but where a reply is expected, should allways be accompanied by an SASE. |
Abbreviations used within Descriptions