Postcard Grading Standards
Describing the condition of used or older paper items is highly subjective. Vintage Postcard Boutique uses grading standards that are widely accepted as the industry standard as referenced from The Postcard Price Guide by J. L. Mashburn.
MINT (M): Perfect card, as if just off the printing press. I've not run across a card like this...
NEAR MINT (NM): Light aging or slight discoloration only. Crisp corners/clean image on picture side. Very collectible card.
EXCELLENT (EX): No bends, creases or edge/corner wear. May be postally used with writing on address side only.
VERY GOOD (VG): Like Excellent but may have slightly rounded corners or minor edgewear that does not detract from overall appearance of picture side.
GOOD (G): Rounded/blunt corners, some edgewear and noticeable creasing and/or bends.
FAIR (F): Collectible only if scarce card. Stains, soiling, creasing and edgewear may affect picture side. The type of card you hang onto while looking for a better one.
MINT (M): Perfect card, as if just off the printing press. I've not run across a card like this...
NEAR MINT (NM): Light aging or slight discoloration only. Crisp corners/clean image on picture side. Very collectible card.
EXCELLENT (EX): No bends, creases or edge/corner wear. May be postally used with writing on address side only.
VERY GOOD (VG): Like Excellent but may have slightly rounded corners or minor edgewear that does not detract from overall appearance of picture side.
GOOD (G): Rounded/blunt corners, some edgewear and noticeable creasing and/or bends.
FAIR (F): Collectible only if scarce card. Stains, soiling, creasing and edgewear may affect picture side. The type of card you hang onto while looking for a better one.