About The PF>

Welcome to the Philatelic Foundation!

The Philatelic Foundation was granted a charter in 1945 by the University of the State of New York as a Nonprofit Educational Institution. Over the decades the Philatelic Foundation has come to be recognized as the central source for expertise in philately. This confidence has been built through our certification service, reference collection and publications.

Our certificates are the standard for confidence in buying and selling. The greatest collections of United States and Foreign stamps and postal history have been assembled based on the opinions of our certificates. Confidence in authenticity and condition is priceless and it is the certificates of the Philatelic Foundation that provide you with this confidence. To print an application form to be used when submitting a single item simply click on this application form link and print the form once it appears on your screen. If you are submitting more then one item you can print our new multiple submission application form link.

Our reference collection is among the finest assemblages of philatelic material in the world. In addition, the Philatelic Foundation has over 5,000 reference works including research notes and correspondence of Stanley Ashbrook, photographic records of major specialized collections and auction catalogues from around the world. Last, but certainly not least, is a photographic record of each of the over 400,000 items that we have certified over the years.

Our publications and research articles have reported the findings of staff and outside researchers. Our exhibits and slide programs have brought us to shows and club meetings throughout the country.

New Rate Structure

We are increasing a few of our rates for the first time in many years. As a not-for-profit organization, we endeavor to keep our fees as low as possible since that is in line with our mission to encourage and advance philately. Due to an increase in costs to expertise stamps and covers over the last decade, it is now necessary to have our rates reflect our actual operating expenses.

The fee changes, effective February 1, 2009, are as follows:

1. The percentage charge for expertizing U.S. and foreign stamps will increase from 4.5% to 5% of the catalogue or fair market value, whichever is higher. This change will simplify the Foundation rate structure since the Foundation already charges 5% for covers.

2. The minimum fee for any stamp being certified will increase from $25 to $27.
This increase does not apply to stamps eligible for the SuperSaver rate, which continues to be a flat rate of $20.00. The minimum certificate fee for postal history remains at $40.00.

3. The maximum fee for any certificate will increase from $600.00 to $650.00

The additional charges for Priority Service (20 business days or less) or Express
      Service (15business days or less) are unchanged at $10 and $20 respectively.

We invite you to browse through our web site and see for yourself how we can assist you in enjoying more fully this wonderful hobby of ours.

The Philatelic Foundation is located at 70 West 40th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Telephone: (212) 221-6555; Fax: (212) 221-6208. Email: philatelicfoundation@verizon.net

Copyright 2001 by The Philatelic Foundation, a not-for-profit Corporation chartered by the State of New York and devoted to Education through Expertizing and Publications since 1945.