About
The Philatelic Foundation (PF) is one of the world's most respected philatelic expertizing organizations, having authenticated stamps and postal history items since 1945. Based in New York City, the Foundation issues official certificates for submitted stamps and covers, helping collectors buy, sell, and insure items with confidence. Each submission undergoes thorough examination by expert philatelists who evaluate genuineness, condition, and authenticity before issuing a certificate. Beyond expertizing, the PF serves as a rich educational hub for the philatelic community. Its website hosts digitized research articles, opinion publications (Volumes I–IV), monographs, an Ashbrook Archive, and a curated Fakes and Forgeries section (SCRAP). Collectors can explore recently expertized items, review expertizing terms for stamps and covers, and access detailed FAQ guidance for submissions. Notably, the Foundation authenticated the famed Jenny Invert stamp that resurfaced after 100 years, demonstrating its unmatched forensic capabilities. It also introduced a specialized service for stamps with low fair market value relative to catalogue value, broadening access for a wider range of collectors. The Philatelic Foundation is ideal for serious stamp collectors, philatelic dealers, auction houses, estate appraisers, and insurance professionals who require certified, authoritative authentication of philatelic material.
Key Features
- Stamp & Cover Expertizing Certificates: Submit stamps and postal history covers for in-depth examination by expert philatelists who issue official certificates of authenticity and genuineness.
- Fakes & Forgeries Reference (SCRAP): Comprehensive database and physical collection of known fake stamps, forgeries, and altered covers to aid authentication and collector education.
- Research Archives & Monographs: Access the Ashbrook Archive, scrapbooks, index cards, slides, and a library of monographs covering specialized philatelic topics.
- Opinions Publications: Digitized, fully text-searchable Opinions volumes (I–IV) highlighting expertized items and analysis from the Foundation's examination process.
- Low Fair Market Value Service: A dedicated expertizing tier for stamps whose market value is lower than their catalogue value, making authentication accessible for a broader range of items.
Use Cases
- Authenticating rare or valuable stamps before purchasing at auction or from a private seller.
- Obtaining official certificates for stamps or covers to support insurance appraisals or estate valuations.
- Identifying and documenting fakes, forgeries, or altered philatelic material using the Foundation's SCRAP resources.
- Researching philatelic history through the Ashbrook Archive, monographs, and digitized opinion publications.
- Building a certified stamp collection that commands higher trust and market value in the philatelic community.
Pros
- Decades of Unmatched Authority: Operating since 1945, the Philatelic Foundation is one of the most trusted expertizing bodies in the world, recognized by collectors, dealers, and auction houses globally.
- Broad Educational Resources: Free access to research articles, monographs, fake-and-forgery references, and digitized archives makes the PF a valuable resource beyond just certification.
- Authenticated High-Profile Items: The Foundation has handled landmark cases such as the long-lost Jenny Invert, demonstrating forensic-level expertise for even the rarest philatelic material.
Cons
- Physical Submission Required: Stamps and covers must be physically mailed to the Foundation's New York office, which adds time and shipping costs to the process.
- Niche Scope: Services are exclusively focused on philatelic material (stamps and postal history), limiting utility to a specialized collector audience.
- Fee-Based Certification: Expertizing certificates require a paid submission fee, which may be cost-prohibitive for lower-value or bulk submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stamp expertizing?
Stamp expertizing is the process of having a qualified expert examine a stamp or cover to determine its genuineness, authenticity, condition, and identity. The Philatelic Foundation issues a formal certificate summarizing the findings.
How do I submit an item to the Philatelic Foundation?
You complete a Certificate Application (available on the PF website), package your stamps or covers carefully, and mail them along with the appropriate fee to the Foundation's New York office. The PF website provides detailed tips for submitting items.
What types of items can be expertized?
The Philatelic Foundation expertizes U.S. stamps, covers, and postal history items. Separate expertizing terms apply to stamps and to covers, and there is also a service for items with low fair market value.
How long does the expertizing process take?
Turnaround times vary depending on volume and the complexity of the item. The Foundation logs in submissions, examines each item, prepares certificates, and returns items by mail. Contact the PF directly for current processing estimates.
Why should I get my stamps certified?
A Philatelic Foundation certificate adds credibility and value when buying, selling, or insuring philatelic material. It provides an authoritative third-party opinion that protects both buyers and sellers from fakes and altered stamps.
