About
The American Philatelic Society (APS) has served stamp collectors and postal history enthusiasts since its founding, growing into the world's largest philatelic organization. Through its website, Stamps.org, the APS offers a comprehensive hub for collectors of all experience levels. Members gain access to a range of exclusive benefits including The American Philatelist magazine, stamp authentication via the APEX program, circuit-based buying and selling networks, and the extensive American Philatelic Research Library (APRL). The library includes a Philatelic Union Catalog and rare literature collections available to researchers worldwide. For newcomers, the APS provides detailed getting-started guides covering tools, soaking and sorting techniques, vocabulary, and stamp identification. Educator resources are organized by grade level from Pre-K through Grade 12, making it ideal for classroom integration. The APS also supports a network of local stamp clubs, affiliate specialty societies, dealers, and exhibitors. Members can participate in national and international stamp shows, including the Great American Stamp Show and Boston 2026, and submit entries to competitive exhibitions with expert judging. Additional features include the StampStore online marketplace, show scheduling, mailing lists, estate advice for inherited collections, and volunteer recognition programs. The APS is a nonprofit organization focused on growing philately as a hobby and preserving postal history for future generations.
Key Features
- Stamp Authentication (APEX): Submit stamps for expert authentication and receive certified certificates through the APS Expert Committee (APEX) program.
- Philatelic Library & Research: Access the American Philatelic Research Library, featuring a Union Catalog of philatelic literature and rare historical collections.
- Buy & Sell Circuits: Participate in mail-based and online stamp circuits to buy and sell stamps with fellow collectors across the country.
- Educational Resources: Structured learning materials for beginners and educators, organized by grade level (Pre-K through Grade 12) and topic.
- Stamp Shows & Events: Attend or exhibit at national and international stamp shows, including the Great American Stamp Show and other APS-sanctioned events.
Use Cases
- A new hobbyist uses APS educational guides to learn how to sort, soak, and identify stamps and build their first collection.
- An experienced collector submits rare stamps to APEX for authentication before listing them for sale on StampStore.
- A school teacher uses APS grade-level educator resources to introduce philately as a history and geography enrichment activity.
- A local stamp club affiliates with the APS to access resources, club program ideas, and national show opportunities for members.
- A researcher accesses the American Philatelic Research Library's Union Catalog to study rare philatelic literature and postal history records.
Pros
- Comprehensive Resources: Covers every aspect of philately — identification, authentication, buying, selling, exhibiting, and research — in one platform.
- Strong Community Network: Connects collectors through local clubs, specialty societies, dealers, and large-scale national stamp shows.
- Educational Value: Offers well-organized learning materials for beginners and school programs, making philately accessible to all ages.
- Trusted Authentication Service: APEX provides certified stamp authentication, adding credibility and value for serious collectors and sellers.
Cons
- Full Benefits Require Paid Membership: Many premium features such as magazine access, circuit buying/selling, and library services are restricted to paid APS members.
- Niche Audience: The platform is highly specialized for stamp and postal history collectors, limiting its appeal to a broad general audience.
- Dated Website Experience: The user interface and navigation feel traditional and may not offer the modern, streamlined experience expected by newer users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American Philatelic Society?
The American Philatelic Society (APS) is the world's largest nonprofit organization for stamp collectors and postal history enthusiasts, offering educational resources, authentication services, a research library, and a marketplace.
How do I join the APS?
You can join the APS by submitting a membership application through Stamps.org. Membership provides access to The American Philatelist magazine, stamp circuits, the research library, and more.
What is the APEX stamp authentication program?
APEX (APS Expert Committee) is a stamp authentication service where collectors can submit items for expert examination and receive a certificate verifying the stamp's authenticity and condition.
Can I buy and sell stamps through the APS?
Yes. The APS offers both mail-based buying and selling circuits and an online marketplace called StampStore where members and dealers can transact with other collectors.
Does the APS offer resources for beginners?
Absolutely. The APS provides beginner guides covering how to get started, what to collect, tools needed, how to identify stamps, and a comprehensive stamp vocabulary section.
