[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
ATA Course: Buying Covers for Thematic Collections

Damian Läge, the highest award-winning thematic exhibitor in the world, will present a three-part course sponsored by the American Topical Association (ATA) in May, via Zoom. He was recently chosen to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, one of the most prestigious honors in our hobby.

The course will cover aspects of recognizing, evaluating and shopping for covers with multiple frankings for a collection and/or exhibit. Läge points out that many covers you encounter at dealer booths and online have more than one stamp. These covers, with multiple frankings, vary dramatically in their philatelic importance. The course will show how to add some important items to your collection, often at a low price. Collectors and exhibitors will benefit from the course content.

Läge will share his research and insights in three sessions:

• Saturday, May 6, 6 p.m., via Zoom – Multiple Frankings in Topical/Thematic Collections and Exhibits: How and Why
• Sunday, May 7, 6 p.m., via Zoom – The Evaluation of Multiple Frankings: Great, Greater, Greatest – Learn to identify quality covers
• Sunday, May 14, 6 p.m., via Zoom – How to Find Multiple Frankings for Your Collection and Exhibit

For those in time zones that make it difficult to attend the live presentation, the sessions will be taped and made available to those who register for the course. Those who enroll will be able to watch the programs again, at their convenience. Cost for the three sessions is $25 for members, $45 for non-members, with an option to purchase the course and membership at a discounted rate. Registration is open in the Events section on the ATA website at americantopical.org.

Läge has won the highest exhibiting awards and has lectured widely throughout the world. His high enthusiasm makes his presentations both educational and entertaining. In 2015, his was the first thematic exhibit to receive 98 points at an international competition (ECTP 2015). In 2020, his one-frame exhibit, The Maori Pigeon, won the Grand Prix at ALPE-ADRIA in competition with all multiple frame exhibits in all classes. Last year he won the Grand Prix at CAPEX in Toronto. He has been winning top awards since he began exhibiting as a teenager.

This course is the result of Läge’s research and evaluation of many covers with multiple frankings. He discovered that online sellers often have philatelically significant covers for sale at good prices, as their prices often don’t differentiate great covers from mediocre ones.

This is an opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished philatelists in the world.