postcard

Postcard is a card, usually made of thick paper or thin cardboard, intended for written messages and mailed without an envelope. Most postcards have an image on one side and a space on the other for the recipient's address and a short message. Some designs place the image on the front and a divided back; others use an undivided back with the entire back available for writing or addressing.

History: Postcards were introduced in the mid-19th century and became widely popular worldwide in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early cards carried brief messages and a stamp; later, the back was divided to allow both a message and an address. Photographic, illustrated and real-photo cards became common, featuring landscapes, cities, maxims, or tourist attractions.

Production and format: They are printed on cardstock, with a range of finishes—from plain to glossy or linen textures. Standard sizes vary by country; common Western sizes include about 3.5x5.5 inches (89x140 mm) and 4x6 inches (100x150 mm), with international standards often around 105x148 mm (A6). Many countries use a two-sided format with a designated area for stamps and addresses.

Usage: To send, a postage stamp is affixed, and the card is mailed to a recipient. Messages are typically brief. In some jurisdictions, postcards may be sent without an envelope, and privacy depends on the back design.

Collecting: The hobby of collecting postcards is known as deltiology. Interest focuses on early or rare publishers, postmarks, and subjects.

Modern era: While email and digital images reduced demand, postcards remain popular for tourism, personal notes, and philatelic collection, including specialty, vintage, and artist-made cards.