Common Post Card Abbreviations
If you buy or sell vintage postcards on eBay, you'll run into a lot of shorthand. Here's a quick-reference of the most common abbreviations you'll see in titles and descriptions, grouped by category.
Eras & Card Backs
CH — Chrome, or Photochrome. Glossy color cards (began c. 1939, common from 1950s on).
DB — Divided Back (1907–1915).
L / LIN — Linen Era (c. 1930s–1940s; textured stock, bright inks).
MOD — Modern.
PIO or PN — Pioneer postcard (printed before July 1, 1898).
PMC — Private mailing card.
UB — Undivided Back (c. 1901–1907).
WB — White Border Era (c. 1915–1930).
Card Types & Production
EMB — Embossed.
HC — Hand-colored / hand-tinted.
HTL — Hold-to-Light (specialty cards that "light up" when held to a light source).
MV — Multi-view (collage of several views).
PPC — Picture Postcard.
RP — Real Photo (short form for RPPC).
RPPC — Real Photo Postcard (actual photographic print on postcard stock).
Postal / Usage Shorthand
CAN — Canceled.
COF — Cancellation on Face.
PM / PMK — Postmarked (has postal cancel).
PU — Postally Used (mailed; has cancel).
RPO — Railroad Post Office cancel.
S/M — Stamp missing.
UNP — Unposted / Unused.
UNU — Unused.
US — Used.
WOB — Written on back.
WOF — Written on front.
RPPC Stamp Box Marks (Help With Dating)
AZO — Kodak photographic paper brand (common RPPC stamp box mark).
CYKO — CYKO photographic paper (stamp box mark).
VELOX — Velox photographic paper (stamp box mark).
Publisher / Listing Shorthand
PUB — Publisher.
SB — Stamp box (identifier noted by collectors when dating RPPCs).
Content
A/S — Artist Signed.
ADV — Advertisement.
B/W — Black & White card.
c — Copyright or Circa.
SER — Series.
Condition
ALB MKS — Album marks (corner damage).
CC — Corner Crease.
CR — Crease.
CRN — Corner damage.
FLTS — Faults in Condition.
ST — Stain.
T / TR — Tear.
WE — Worn edges.
WR — Wear.
Note: Abbreviations vary a little by seller; the ones above are the standard forms documented by collector clubs, museums, libraries, and long-running dealer glossaries.