Postcards come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the standard 4×6 postcards typically found in the United States to extra large, mini, and even novelty postcards like leather postcards and surfboard postcards. There is a such a wide variety and postcards have been produced for so long, how can should you categorize them?

Unique postcards should be separated for further analysis.

We have an article on novelty cards here:

and international cards here:

For the majority of cards however, most collectors categorize them by the following eras:

Pioneer Era (1873-1898)

The world’s first picture postcards date from the 1860s to the mid-1870s, but most of the earliest picture postcards in the U.S. are those that were sold at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, starting on May 1, 1893.  These pictures were printed on government postal cards which included a printed 1-cent stamp.  There were also privately printed souvenir cards that  required a 2-cent postage stamp to be attached.  Messages were not permitted on the address side of the cards. These postcards can typically be identified by their simple designs, lack of an address, and rough material feel. They will also not conform to later added postcard standards such as a divided back or message field. The Pioneer Era of postcards ended by July 1, 1898.

Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)

An Act of U.S. Congress on May 19, 1898 granted private printers permission to print and sell cards that bore the inscription “Private Mailing Card” (PMC) and required a 1 cent stamp. These postcards are readily identifiable by their PMC stamping.

Undivided Back Era (1901-1907)

In December 1901 the U.S. Postal Service required that the words “Post Card” should be printed at the top of the address side of privately printed cards.  Messages were still not permitted on the address side of the card.  The size of these cards was typically 5.5” x 3.5”. These cards can be identified by the qualities mentioned before and their abnormal size.

Early Divided Back Era (1907-1914)

On March 1, 1907 the back of the postcard was divided into 2 sections – on the right was a place for the address and on the left was a place for a message.  This era is often referred to as “the Golden Age of Postcards” and most postcards were printed in Germany which had an excellent lithographic printing process.  With the beginning of WWI the supply of postcards from Germany dwindled and England and the United States started printing postcards. These cards can be identified by their split back and high quality printing. This is also the earliest era that allows messages on the back, which means any posted card before 1914 with a message will likely be from this era.

White Border Era (1915-1930)

Publishers left a clear border around the view, now referred to as “White Border” cards.  These cards were often printed on cheaper paper stock with inferior printing. These cards can be identified by what it says on the tin- their distinctive white border.

Linen (1930-1945)

Post cards with high rag content created a linen-like texture that could be seen and felt.  Brighter dyes were used for coloring and many postcards of this era advertised commercial establishments and products. These postcards tend to look like paintings and are unique in their rougher feel and look.

Chrome (1945-present)

“Chrome” postcards began around 1939 and are identified by a glossy surface.  Images were primarily based on colored photographs.  By the 1960s, many cards were printed at a larger size ( 4 x 6 inches) often referred to as continentals. These postcards have a polished plastic-like look that makes them immediately recognizable as more modern than their dated counterparts.