CONDITION and GRADING of Postcards

Topicalpostcards.com follows a standard grading system for postcard collectors, based on the one used by most European and American postcards dealers.  It is very similar to the grading system used by the American Mashburn Catalogue, among others.  However, there are a few differences: 

In the early 1900 period a habit developed, which was even made mandatory in France and European countries, to write on the picture side and to glue the stamps ‘the French way’ (these could be anywhere, even on the picture side)
It is  possible to catalogue these vintage postcards as a ‘Good’, or even as a ‘Very Good’ postcard. See also "How to Date the (French) Vintage Postcard" 

The most important thing is the general look of the card. It can be a better card for a collector when it has a postmark or stamp on the picture side, rather than no stamp or postmark at all.  I do not agree with cataloguing a ‘Near Mint’ card just as ‘Good’ because it is used in ‘the French way’!   It can be even better for this collector to have a written card on a certain matter or topic. This is why we are not following all of the classical general grading system. 

However, it is necessary for you as a potential Internet buyer, who can’t have a close look at the cards, to be given an objective rating scale, as well as big scans and even a close detail scan in our listings.

Here is our grading system:

Mint

A perfect card that looks like it just came from the printing press. No marks, bends or creases. No writing or postmarks. A clean and fresh card, that is ‘just like new’. 

Near Mint

Like Mint, but there may be very light aging or very slight discoloration from being in an album for many years. Not as fresh looking as a Mint one. 

Excellent

Like Mint in appearance with no bends or creases and no rounded or blunt corners. May be postally used or unused, and may have writing and a postmark only on the address side. This card would be clean and fresh on the picture side.

Very Good

Corners may be just a bit blunt or rounded. There may be an almost undetectable crease or bend that does not detract from the overall appearance of the picture side. It may have writing and a postmark on the address side OR the picture side, when it is a postcard from the undivided back period (early 1900’s as it was mandatory to write on the picture side). Slight album marks possible. 

Good

Corners may be noticeably blunt or rounded with noticeably slight bends (little corner folds may appear) or creases. It may have writing and a postmark on the address side OR the picture side, when it is a postcard from the undivided back period (early 1900’s as it was mandatory to write on the picture side).  Album marks may be visible. 

Fair

Card is intact. Excess soil, stains, creases, writing or cancellation may affect picture. This could be a scarce card that is difficult to find in any condition!  

Money back guarantee

We are aware that you cannot see, hold, or feel the card when you buy it over the Internet and that a general grading system and good looking scans aren’t the holy grail!  This is why at topicalpostcards.com you always have a money back guarantee, which includes the shipping and handling fee.  No questions asked, we just give you your money back when you do not like it…. but we are certain you will! We want YOU to be a satisfied and returning customer!

Read our disclaimer about selling postcards on the internet, its fun too.

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