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You are here: Home / Expertizing

Expertizing

Instilling Confidence for Over 65 Years

The main activity of The Philatelic Foundation is examining and certifying stamps, covers and other philatelic material submitted by collectors, dealers and auctioneers world-wide. Hundreds of thousands of certificates have been issued since 1945.

Auction buyers, retail customers and dealers are used to saying, “I’ll have to send it to the Foundation for a certificate.” And no wonder! Our volunteer consultants, our curatorial staff and our Executive Director combine for a depth of knowledge and experience unparalleled in the world of philately. Our reference collections, technical resources and research files are without peer.

For a few words about expertizing, please read the late Herbert Bloch’s comments, and, if you want to learn more, or take advantage of our expertizing services, please explore the links below.

Expertizing Topics and Forms (click a link below)

Why Expertize?

Application Forms – download free adobe acrobat reader

Tips for Submitting

The Process

Grading Overview

pdfGrading Manual (42Mb)

Expertizing Terms and Condition Standards for Stamps

Expertizing Terms and Condition Standards for Covers

 

Certificate Search

Click here
Search our database of over
582,800 PF certificates.

Early Certificates

Click here
View PF certificates 1 to
112,000 by Scott Number

Fascinating Facts

Expertizing

Why should I send my stamps and covers to the PF for expertization? The value of a stamp or cover is based on not only its rarity, but also its condition. Fake cancels and non-contemporary markings can significantly lower its value. With the unmatched PF reference library and an expertise built over many decades of philatelic research, our expert staff and broad range of outside consultants will give you the highest level of confidence in the genuineness and condition of your material.

Contact Us

The Philatelic Foundation
353 Lexington Avenue
Suite 804
New York, NY 10016
philatelicfoundation@verizon.net
Phone: (212) 221-6555
Fax: (212) 221-6208

Collect with Confidence

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353 Lexington Avenue, Suite 804, New York, NY 10016 · (212) 221-6555 · philatelicfoundation@verizon.net

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