To determine if a postcard is prepaid, look for postage that is already printed directly onto the postcard itself by the issuer. Historically, and for certain types of mail, postmasters would also apply a specific mark to indicate prepayment.
Understanding Prepaid Postcards
A postcard is considered prepaid when it includes the cost of postage as part of its design, meaning you do not need to affix an additional stamp. This is common for government-issued postal cards or some commercially produced postcards.
Modern Indicators of Prepaid Postage
For contemporary postcards, identifying prepayment is usually straightforward:
- Pre-printed Postage Indicia: Look for a stamp-like design or a postal indicia (a printed mark that indicates postage has been paid) in the upper right-hand corner where a stamp would normally be placed. This design is an integral part of the postcard, not an adhesive sticker.
- Official Postal Cards: Government-issued postal cards, such as those sold by postal services like the USPS, always come with pre-printed postage. These are typically simpler in design on the address side, clearly showing the postage indicia.
- Commercial Postcards with Included Postage: Some businesses or organizations might produce postcards that include pre-paid postage as a promotional tool. These will also feature a printed indicia in the stamp area.
How to Check:
- Examine the Top Right Corner: This is the standard location for postage.
- Look for a Printed Design: If there's a stamp-like image or a postal indicia that's part of the postcard's paper (not a sticker), it's likely prepaid.
- Feel the Surface: A true pre-printed postage area will be smooth and flat with the rest of the postcard, unlike an affixed stamp which has a raised texture.
Historical Method of Indicating Prepayment
In earlier postal history, particularly before the widespread adoption of adhesive stamps, the method for indicating prepayment could differ:
- Postmaster Markings: If a letter or postcard was paid for in cash at the post office, postmasters often marked "PAID" directly on the item. This practice served as the official record that postage had been remitted, indicating it was prepaid.
This historical "PAID" marking is distinct from modern pre-printed postage. Today, you are unlikely to see a hand-marked "PAID" on an item intended for mailing unless it's a very specialized service or a historical artifact.
Summary: Prepaid Postcard Indicators
| Indicator Type | What to Look For | When Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Prepayment | Pre-printed stamp design or official postal indicia | Contemporary postcards |
| Historical Prepayment | "PAID" marked by a postmaster (often handwritten) | Early postal history or specific historical mail items |
If a postcard does not have any pre-printed postage or a historical "PAID" marking, it means postage has not been paid, and you will need to affix an appropriate stamp before mailing it.
