After eleven years with no rate increase, fees for APS expertizing services will increase on March 1, 2021. 

Serving the Philatelic Community Since 1903, the American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX) offers opinions on the genuineness of philatelic material at moderate cost. APEX utilizes the services of more than 160 specialists and a variety of high-tech equipment to provide guaranteed opinions.

The cost for items with a catalog value of $1,000 or less will increase $5.  The fee for items with a catalog value of over $1,200 will remain 3% of catalog value and there will be no increase to the maximum item fee for APS members of $400.  The above fees reflect a discount of at least $20 per item for APS members.

Members may take advantage of the current rates by submitting items to arrive prior to March 1, 2021.  Submission forms may be downloaded from the APS website or by e-mail.

The new fee schedule is shown below.

The above fees do not include return postage. 

For items where the original fee is above $35 ($55 for non-members) and the item is determined to be a counterfeit or less expensive item, the fee will be adjusted to a minimum of $35 ($55 for non-members).