Summer Seminar Online is a month-long series of seminars that members can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. From June 1 to June 30, these workshops feature a variety of topics taught by presenters who are all philatelic experts and accomplished writers, exhibitors, dealers, and specialized collectors. It's a time to dig deep into specific studies, research, and socialize with fellow collectors who understand the quirks of the hobby. Whether you are a beginner or advanced collector, all APS members can be sure to find a topic of interest. A full catalog and calendar of classes can be found at stamps.org/SummerSeminar.
Available to APS members only, registration is through our online learning platform, C3a. Workshops and courses can be added to a cart and purchased by credit card. The seminars require minimal technology equipment. Participants simply need an internet connection and a computer or device.
The British Machins – Their Origins, Technical Aspects & Varieties
Did you know that the Machin series is made up of thousands of varieties? During this course, you will discover the many factors that contribute to the 7000+ varieties that make up the Machin series; value, color, phosphor/fluor, paper, perforations, and printing processes. Steve will help you to deepen your understanding of origins and artistic design. You’ll explore the technical aspects of these stamps that allow their interaction with automated facing and sorting equipment, including the technical complexity of the Non-Value-Indicating (NVI) printings.
Your instructor, Steve McGill has focused on collecting the stamps of the U.K. for the past decade, with a special interest in exhibiting the Machin series from its forerunners to the latest Non-Value-Indicated printings. He has researched the full range of factors that make the series rich in varieties. This study has helped McGill to produce three Machin-related exhibits that have been shown and vetted in the U.S. and international stamp shows. His research has included an IAP grant to study stamp phosphorescence at the Smithsonian Philatelic Museum.
Steve’s Machin exhibits have won large-gold awards; the first Brett Cup award and a number of APS research medals. His Denominated Machin exhibit content was published in 2019 by the Forschungsgemeinschaft Grosbritannien e.V in Germany as part of the Conserved Heritage Volume VIII. McGill has also lectured extensively on the Machin subject in the U.S., U.K. and Germany.
Additionally, Mr. McGill collects central Europe, China and parts of Scandinavia. He belongs to several organizations related to the hobby including; the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, Great Britain Philatelic Society, the Great Britain Collectors Club (Past President), The China Society, The Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library (Board Member), The Rocky Mountain Stamp Show (Past Chairman) and is a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society of London.
Sign up on C3a here for this course, held Tuesday June 8, 15 and 22 from 4:00 PM-5:15 PM EDT