The World's Most Valuable Collector's Items

200. Postcards

Manufacturer: pioneer and others 
original price: US$ 0.05 to US$ 0.99*
Worth today: US$ 100 to US$ 1,000*

Rarity, demand and condition are three different factors that influence the cost of a vintage postcard. Some of the most expensive vintage postcards come from the Pioneer brand. Pioneer manufactured the cards between 1873 and 1897. Production was limited to the United States only.

The cards are unique in that you won't find a message on the back, just the address. This is because the postal service prevented people from writing messages on the back of postcards for decades, only lifting the ban in the early 20th century. Older cards from companies like Pioneer can usually sell for $$ 100 to $$ 1,000 each.