APEX, the American Philatelic Expertizing Service, reviews between 4000 and 5000 stamps and covers each year for authenticity and condition. The service relies on the expertise of over 180 APS member experts throughout the United States. 

APS needs to regularly add  members to its Expert Committee. At present, areas of special need include China, Japanese overprints, Indian area, the Middle East and Latin America.

Most experts review material from only a single country. Many only review material from a certain time period or even a single series such as the United States Washington Franklins. Experts are asked to review and return material with an explanation of their findings within a week of receipt. The APS covers the cost of return postage but registered and certified mail require taking the mailings to the post office for return. Payment of $2/item on which opinions are offered is paid once per year.

The APS prefers that every item be reviewed by at least two external experts as well as at least two members of the APS staff before issuing certificates that include a limited guarantee.

Experts must be APS members in good standing and generally have at least 20 years experience collecting and studying material in their areas. Almost all will be members of specialty societies who have published articles or exhibited. Experts should be knowledgeable about printing method and production and able to identify grills, watermarks, regumming and reperforating.  They should have their own tools usually including an ultraviolet light, specialized catalogs and philatelic literature and their own reference collections of varieties and fakes.

If you are interested in being an APEX expert, please contact Ken Martin, APS Director of Expertizing. A philatelic resume including references is appreciated.  Ken can be reached at the APS offices, kpmartin@stamps.org or 814-933-3817.