Collecting postcards can be a fun and educational hobby. Depending on your interest, you could collect postcards of a certain age, type, geographical or architectural subject matter, the illustrator, or just about any other genre. Some of the most collectible postcards are sought for the photograph, message, artist, stamp or the postmark. And real photo postcards are the hardest to find, and thus are more valuable.

However, postcards of Mother Nature -- rivers, trees, mountains, oceans, etc. -- will probably never appreciate in value and as a result, I wouldn't recommend collecting them. After all, if you're investing in a hobby, it should at least retain its value if not appreciate.

And keep in mind that poscards when sold will bring a higher dollar value if you find a buyer interested in the particular topic as opposed to a dealer or general collector.

Types of postcards to be collected:

19th Century Postcards mid-1870s to 1900

Real Photo Postcards 1901

Divided Back Postcards 1907

Border Postcards 1915

Linen Postcards 1930-1945

Chrome Postcards Modern