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.
About the Author
Matthew Warren
Matt Warren is the creator of The Postcard List. He collects Alabama postcards, stamps, vintage correspondence, and the occasional typewriter or office card. Outside of deltiology, Matt enjoys photography, stereoviews, retro computers, and keeping up with his two dogs.
