One of the first Christmas cards ever sent just sold at an auction in England for over $6,846! The black and white card pictures a Victorian family around their holiday dinner table and carries the message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." It was made in England in 1843.

Postcards with Christmas wishes like this Victorian card were first allowed to be mailed in the U.S. in 1872 — for 1 cent. Picture postcards with Christmas and New Years holiday greetings became more common later in the 1870s. They featured everything from holly, snow or nativity scenes to families gathered around Christmas trees. They ranged from simple lithographed cards to elaborately colored and embossed cards embellished with silk and lace.

Don't toss that shoebox of old postcards you found in grandma's attic—they tell stories about holidays past and can be valuable. Collectors look for postcards with Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas figures, nativity scenes, angels and children.

Vintage postcards like this one are available in online shops for about $5 to about $25. And find prices of postcards in the free price guide at Kovels.com.

Merry Christmas from Terry Kovel, Kim Kovel and the Staff of Kovels.com!