Students receive a toolkit designed to optimize use of the computer for a variety of philatelic tasks in this hands-on course. Software and technology that can be used to take advantage of graphics, drawing, scanning, database, publishing, and commercial philatelic applications will be covered. Students are invited to suggest topics not mentioned in the course description for possible integration into the curriculum.

Computers will NOT be provided in this course, so each student should bring a PC or Mac. To optimize class time, OpenOffice (OOo) will be used for class exercises that require spreadsheet, text, or database applications. OpenOffice is a popular, stable, and robust productivity suite that looks and feels very much like Microsoft Office and similar other commercial software. PC and Mac versions are available – and they are FREE!  A basic knowledge of computer use is necessary to receive the most benefit from this course.

This class is not just for the expert collector, but for anyone who has collected, wants to collect, or is a bit intimidated by the thought of collecting these classic issues. Included will be hands-on sessions where you will use a variety of stamps from the series and be guided through the identification process. You will leave the course with resource materials to use for future collecting of the Washington-Franklin.

The latest technology will be used to bring students the clearest understanding of the differing types of stamps in this series. The first day will include instruction on identifying the 2-cent and 3-cent types, use of the Micarelli guide, and time to examine the stamps. The second day will emphasize recognizing fakes and forgeries. By the end of this course you will be able to accurately identify 200+ varieties of the Washington-Franklins, and correctly sort the stamps by Scott numbers.

While there are no prerequisites, a basic understanding of perforations, watermarks, and the different printing methods and papers used during the early U.S. stamp period will make it easier for you to learn all that this course covers.  The introduction to the Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue will provide participants with much of the basic information.

By the end of this course, students will have the tools to authenticate first day and earliest-use U.S. covers and to identify fakes and forged covers with confidence.  Those who develop these skills may qualify to serve the hobby as expertizers for the American Philatelic Society’s APEX  Service and the American First Day Cover Society (AFDCS).  Use of published and archival references and online databases are essential skills for FDC/EDU experts, so the AFDCS Archives and American Philatelic Resource Library resources will be employed.  Forensic analysis using the Crimescope CS-16 will be included.  Students should be familiar with first day covers and/or postal history.

The course is intended for the beginning collector of revenues, but there will be enough depth in the topics that collectors with some experience will learn something new. The first day’s approach will be to give a broad overview of collecting revenues. The breadth of United States revenues, including federal, state, and local revenues, will be explored. On the second day special attention will be given to ways of collecting revenues, e.g., plate blocks, precancels, perfins, and covers.

The first day will cover the breadth of U. S. revenues: defining revenues, a survey of Scott-listed revenues, what lies beyond the Scott-listed revenues, and where to go for information.  The second day will explore how and what to collect: mint vs. used; plate markings; cancellations; collecting “on cover” revenues; some cautions in collecting revenues; what and how to collect.

Prepare to navigate the maze of valuing, buying, and selling stamps and philatelic material with Clark Frazier, APS Summer Seminar instructor since 2006.  Learn how to determine the value of philatelic collectibles — from items already in your collection to material that you’re interested in buying or selling.  Students will engage in hands-on practice of information presented.  U.S. material is primarily used with applications for the buying and selling of worldwide stamps.

Any questions please contact Gretchen Moody via e-mail or phone 814-933-3810.

An online registration form is available.