Bid in Americover Silent Auction From Home

[press release]
Now you can participate — and win — in the Americover Silent Auction even if you can’t make the 2026 show, which is being held August 7-9 at the BWI Marriott (at Baltimore-Washington Airport) in conjunction with BALPEX 2026. All 105 lots can be seen online by downloading the file and submitting a bid via email.

The lots include FDCs from the 1930s to the present, and cachets ranging from typed to hand-painted. The cachetmakers represented include Dave Bennett, Kendal Bevil, Judith Fogt and many other familiar names. (Shown here is Lot #42 by Chad Green.) And the minimum bids for all of them is just $5.

Collectors “playing at home” have until Saturday August 8 at 10 p.m. Eastern time to email their bids to dalux2041@gmail.com, putting “silent auction bids” in the subject line. Multiple bids may be listed in a single email, but all bids must include the bidder’s name, address, telephone number, and, of course, the lot numbers and amounts of the bids.

The lots will be on display in the American First Day Cover Society Hospitality Suite at Americover/BALPEX, where additional bids likely will be made. The emailed bids will form the basis for the opening bids, and those in the Hospitality Suite will know what the highest at-home bids are, so if you really, really want an item, bid generously.

The Silent Auction operates differently than a traditional auction: The lots are on display, and bidders at Americover write their bids on public lists — silently. Bids are not knocked down to an increment above the next-highest bid, so the winning bids are the actual maximum amounts collectors are willing to pay. Bids must be in even-dollar amounts. (Fractional bids make no cents!)

This is the first year that at-home bidders can see scans of the lots, by downloading the PDF file. (If you prefer, the link to the file is https://tinyurl.com/mrbryya4 )

All the lots were donated to the AFDCS and all proceeds will go to help cover Americover expenses.

Sign Up for the Americover 2026 Cachetmakers Bourse

[press release]
It will be the biggest cachetmakers bourse of the year! All day, Saturday August 8. And the new Diagonal U.S. Flag stamped envelope will be issued at the show the day before.

Americover 2026 is being held in conjunction with BALPEX 2026 at the BWI Marriott in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (Baltimore-Washington Airport).

The contract can be downloaded by clicking here. Tables are $75 each and will be set up in the foyer outside the dealer bourse. American First Day Cover Society or American Philatelic Society membership is required. Space is limited and subject to prior sale. You’ll find more details in the contract.

Cachetmakers Bourse dealers are only allowed to sell material they have made themselves.

This will be the top selling opportunity for FDC producers this year, so don’t miss out. Sign up today!

Extra Exhibiting Excitement at BALPEX/Americover 2026

[press release]
Extra Exhibiting Excitement at BALPEX/Americover 2026

Not only will there be two World Series of Philately exhibitions at the combined show August 7-9, near Baltimore-Washington Airport, there will also be a Young Exhibitors Competition, a classification of two- to three-frame exhibits, an “Informal Class” of exhibits with minimal rules and a single-page display of “One of My Favorites.”

The deadline for entering exhibits is June 30, 2026. The prospectus can be found on the BALPEX website here.

“Favorites” is described as single pages of a single item or set, “a place to single out a gem from your collection. This is just for fun, although there will be a people’s choice award. There is no charge to enter.

The Informal Class is described as an opportunity “where new exhibitors can show material and receive suggestions and encouragement in an informal setting.” It is intended for everything from future WSP exhibits to material that doesn’t fit the current system to displays by those who have “philosophical differences” with the established exhibiting rules. The fee is one-third that of the regular exhibiting classes, $6 per frame.

The Baltimore Philatelic Society first began holding the stamp collecting shows that became BALPEX in the 1930s. This year’s show is at the BWI Marriott Hotel in Linthicum Heights, MD, at the airport, just a few miles south of Baltimore. A special show rate for hotel rooms is available and there is a free shuttle from the airport terminal to the Marriott.

Americover, the convention, exhibition and celebration of the American First Day Cover Society, is normally held in conjunction with Great American Stamp Show. However, with no GASS scheduled this year because of Boston 2026, the AFDCS looked for alternatives.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization. In addition to offering awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits, it also holds an annual Cachetmaking Contest, publishes an award-winning bimonthly magazine First Days, handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057.

Keleher Bringing 5 Jenny Inverts to Boston 2026

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Kelleher Auctions Will Display Five Inverted Jenny Stamps at Boston 2026 World Expo
Insured for $20 million, the unprecedented exhibit also includes Columbian Exposition panes 1 cent to $2, Graf Zeppelin panes 65 cents to $2.60, a Custer’s Last Stand-related cover, and a Post Office Act document signed by Thomas Jefferson

Five of the legendary, century-old Inverted Jenny misprinted U.S. postage stamps will be publicly displayed together by Kelleher Auctions (www.KelleherAuctions.com) in a $20 million exhibit of historic stamps and other renowned philatelic rarities and collectibles at the Boston 2026 World Expo. The display will be at Super Booth #300 in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, May 23-30, 2026.

“The 1918 Inverted Jenny printing error depicting an eye-catching, upside-down World War One-era airplane is one of the most famous of all philatelic errors,” stated David Coogle, Co-Chairman of Kelleher Auctions. “This unique display will help attract visitors to philately and our private treaty consignments and sales of other collectibles.”

The Danbury, Connecticut-based company, founded in 1885 in Boston as a stamp auction company, has expanded its offerings over the years to include rare coins and bank notes, sports collectibles, and other historic memorabilia.

The five, 24-cent denomination Inverted Jenny (C3a) stamps in the Boston exhibit are:

  • Position 6, o.g. Intense colors and proof-quality impressions, centered to right and with full guideline at left; reperforated at top and with tiny thinning at bottom, light gum crease not mentioned on accompanying certificates, lovely Fine appearance. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green and Steven C. Markoff (A-Mark Financial Corporation), with 1995 and 2010 P.F. certificates.
  • Position 11, o.g. Previously hinged, intense colors and proof quality impressions, centered to bottom left; some wrinkling and a small thin spot at bottom right, Fine appearance and very pretty. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Steinmetz, Burdsall, and Bassey, with 1973 (photocopy) and 2020 P.F. certificates.
  • Position 28. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., gorgeous colors and highly detailed impressions, centered to bottom right, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Ewing, Perez, Harris (?), Kistner, Milton and Don David Price (father and son), with 1951 (photocopy) and 2016 P.F. certificates; accompanied by Milton Price’s auction lot sheet and 11/29/1950 auction invoice from Harmer, Rooke & Co. (paid $2,600).
  • Position 60. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., bright fresh colors and strong impressions, centered to right with natural straight edge, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, A.T. Seymour & H. Frederick Johnston (name on 1973 cert), with 1973 P.F. certificate.
  • Position 76. Part o.g.; reperforated at top and left and tiny thin spot, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Hind and McCoy, with 2016 A.P.S. and P.F. certificates.

The Kelleher Auctions exhibit will also feature complete panes of Columbian Exposition (230-242), from one-cent to $2, including the only known 50-cent pane with bottom selvage.

“This is by far the largest known multiple of the first American commemorative series issued January 2, 1893. It is an awesome rarity of the highest order that no one knew existed until November 2016. Only 455 sheets of 100 were printed,” explained Coogle.

There will also be a set of three, full panes of the 65-cent, $1.30, and $2.60 Graf Zeppelin 1930 airmail stamps (C13-C15). Another major philatelic rarity in the exhibit is the discovery example of the 1854 Hamilton, Bermuda Postmaster’s stamp (Perot) 1d red on blush wove.

“It is one of only two 1854 Provisionals known and the only one in private hands, and pedigreed to Ferrary, Burrus, Tomasini, Kapiloff, and others,” explained Coogle. “It is also the finest of the 11 record examples of Perot’s First Issue Provisionals.”

Kelleher Auctions will display a letter written in 1876 addressed to a soldier killed at Custer’s Last Stand, and returned to the sender with the notation, “Killed In Battle/on Little Big Horn River/June 25th 76.”

Another historic item in the exhibit is a 1790 document signed by then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson extending a temporary Congressional act establishing the post office (below).

The Boston 2026 World Expo at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center, 415 Summer Street, will be open to the public with free admission on Saturday, May 23, to Friday, May 29, from 10 a to 6 pm, and on Saturday, May 30, from 10 am to 3 pm.

For additional information about Kelleher Auctions and the exhibit, visit www.KelleherAuctions.com, email info@KelleherAuctions.com, or call 203-830-2500.

8 AFDCS-Sponsored Boston 2026 Postmarks

Updated May 28th:
These postmarks may be ordered for 60 days from their dates (30 + 30):

AFDCS Station
Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 Northeast Underground Drive Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144

[press release]
AFDCS Sponsors 8 Postmarks for Boston 2026:
One Pictorial for Each Day

In addition to the daily “theme” postmarks provided by the U.S. Postal Service and the various first-day cancels, the American First Day Cover Society has announced eight AFDCS Station postmarks that will be available to collectors at the Boston 2026 World Expo show.

AFDCS Membership chair Trevor Bills led the effort for the postmarks. The special days of the show, to be commemorated both by the USPS and the AFDCS cancels, are:

    • May 23 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Day
    • May 24 Favorite Stamp Day
    • May 25 Stamp Collectors Day
    • May 26 Letter Writing Day
    • May 27 International Peace Day
    • May 28 Sports Day
    • May 29 Honoring Heroes Day
    • May 30 Youth and Family Day

Each postmark should be available at the USPS Cancellations Booth at the show starting on its date and then for the rest of the show. Each design measures 1.50- by 2.50 inches.

The AFDCS is also producing and selling the Official Souvenir Show Covers [link to that story], one for each day of the show, with cachets (designs) by professional philatelic artist Chris Calle. These will be available at the AFDCS Booth, Tables 18-20, in the Americas Pavilion.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization. In addition to holding an annual Cachetmaking Contest, the AFDCS also publishes its award-winning bimonthly magazine First Days, handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as exhibiting FDCs. It also offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits and is a co-host of the annual Great American Stamp Show. However, its annual Americover convention will be held in 2026 in conjunction with the BALPEX stamp show, August 7-9, near BWI Airport in Maryland.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057.

Interactive Lego Display at Boston 2026

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
NELUG LEGO User Group to Present Large Interactive Display at Boston 2026 World Expo

BOSTON, MA — Visitors to the Boston 2026 World Expo will find a unique intersection of philately and brick building when the New England LEGO Users Group (NELUG) presents a major LEGO display during the international stamp exhibition.

NELUG will occupy an exhibition space of nearly 4,000 square feet, creating one of the largest themed displays on the show floor. The area will feature a wide range of custom LEGO models and interactive elements designed to celebrate both mail and creativity.

Among the highlights will be postal-themed LEGO creations, including builds inspired by post offices, mail transportation and the history of postal communication. A special section will also showcase LEGO as it appears on postage stamps from around the world, highlighting how the iconic brick has been celebrated in philately by numerous postal administrations.

A centerpiece of the display will be a large Boston skyline mosaic built entirely from LEGO bricks, paying tribute to the host city of the exhibition.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on community mosaic build during the entire show. Attendees will help assemble two large collaborative mosaics: one depicting the Boston 2026 World Expo stamp, and another featuring the 2026 United States Happy Birthday stamp design. Participants will be invited to place bricks that gradually bring these images to life over the course of the weekend.

Additional activities are planned throughout the LEGO display area. A special commemorative postcard created for the exhibit will be distributed to visitors, and collectors will be able to visit a brick-themed handstamp station, where the postcard can be postmarked as a souvenir of the event.

NELUG was established in 1999 to create a community for adult fans to share their passion for all things LEGO related. NELUG provides members the opportunity to meet and build camaraderie through online interactions, virtual and in-person meetings, and events. Members share knowledge and resources, build innovative creations both collectively and individually, and engage with the public during events such as community builds, museum displays, and conventions. https://www.nelug.org/

Support for the exhibit is being provided Boston 2026 with coordination by Scott Stamp LLC, publisher of the Scott catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly.

The Boston 2026 World Expo, an international philatelic exhibition sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), will take place May 23–30, 2026, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this exhibit or the New England LEGO Users Group.

More Postal Agencies at Boston 2026

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Administrations at Boston 2026

Even at this late date, with the show 17 days before opening, the list of postal agencies and administrations attending Boston 2026 World Expo is growing.

Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation (IGPC), overseas agent for many postal administrations around the world, has just announced they will be at Boston 2026 in Booth G522 representing three major clients, the United Kingdom, Israel and the Marshall Islands, selling the latest new issue stamps.

Similarly, Stampera is bringing new issues from many of its clients. Stamps from BEEPOST (Estonia, Finland and Lithuania international private posts), Central African Republic, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Togo are expected to be on sale.

Participating countries among the attending postal administrations include: Andorra (Spanish), Bermuda, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Greenland, Georgia, Guernsey, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and, of course, the United States. The United Nations Postal Administration willl be there, too.

A free philatelic passport is being offered by Scott Stamp LLC, the producers of Linn’s Stamp News and the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. A traditional fun activity at philatelic internationals is to fill the passport with stamps and their special exhibition cancellation on the appropriate country’s page.

Coming to the show? Register for your free pass here.

Show volunteers are needed Wednesday, May 20 through Sunday, May 31. Just two hours (or more) at your convenience in a variety of positions. Click here or email questions to Volunteer Chairman Jere Dutt (Jere.Dutt@Boston2026.org).

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Boston 2026 Announces Official Show Covers

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Official Boston 2026 Cachets

Award-winning artist and stamp designer Chris Calle has produced the show’s official set of eight cachets on behalf of Boston 2026 World Expo. He has done so for many prior U.S. national and international shows.

A cachet design has been created for each day’s pictorial postmark theme. For example, on Day 1’s 250th anniversary release, Thomas Jefferson’s face is superimposed over the 13-star flag and Declaration of Independence. The Day 6 Sports Day cachet [shown here] features a soccer play about ready to kick the ball against an oil paint swirl of colors.

Unserviced cachets are $2 each, while serviced covers are $5 using the daily stamp issue and related theme postmark. A complete set of eight is $30. All serviced covers will be numbered in a limited edition of 400 each.

The cachets are being sold in collaboration with the American First Day Cover Society at Society booths 18, 19 and 20 in the Americas Pavilion. Calle will be available daily for autographing these show covers and other postage stamps and philatelic items he has designed over the decades. All options are also offered online for pre-sale mail ordering now and may be viewed exclusively on the AFDCS Marketplace web site at www.afdcs.org/Newly-Added, which also has the society’s complete line of covers for sale. Mail orders (check payable to AFDCS) may be sent to AFDCS Sales, Box 44, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0044. Covers will be sent after June 1.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Coins To Play a Part in Boston 2026

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Coins Meet Stamps at Boston 2026 World Expo

The American Numismatic Association has confirmed their participation in Boston 2026 World Expo by hosting a booth and organizing a Scouting coin collecting merit badge workshop during the show.

Founded in 1891, the ANA and its membership of 25,000 collectors is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its web domain name says it all, money.org, being dedicated to the study, collection, and appreciation of coins, paper currency, and other forms of numismatic items.

The word “stamp” is missing from the Expo’s title. That was intentional early on. While stamps and philately is the show’s primary focus, Boston 2026 is broadening its appeal by welcoming a number of related collectibles on display, in competition, and on sale by dealers. Ephemera and deltiology are just two among them. Coins and banknotes are natural additions to this list, as many collectors delve into multiple areas of interest.

Per Christian Strayhorn, ANA Education Director, “The collaboration’s goal is to share the love of collecting. Whether stamps, or coins, or something else, the collecting community shares a passion for ‘the hunt.’ We saw the Expo as an opportunity to educate philatelists on numismatics, while encouraging cross-over collecting.”

The Scouting coin collecting merit badge workshop is scheduled for May 23 (Saturday) from 2 to 4 PM. The session is limited to 30 youngsters. Those interested may apply by using this link on the Boston 2026 Youth web page https://forms.gle/pcuroZ5pGMVSboJRA and select the coin option. Three stamp collecting workshops are scheduled the following days.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

On-Site YouTube Studio at Boston 2026

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Exploring Stamps to Host On-Site YouTube Studio at Boston 2026

Exploring Stamps, the popular YouTube channel dedicated to philately and postal history, will host an on-site content studio on the show floor during Boston 2026. Creator Graham Beck will produce video coverage throughout the event, offering a dynamic and modern look at one of the world’s premier stamp exhibitions.

From his booth, Beck will film a range of content including show highlights, notable exhibits, dealer interactions, and conversations with collectors and experts from across the hobby. The studio will also feature a special “show and tell” element, inviting collectors to bring an item from their collection to share on camera.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the energy of a world-class stamp show to a global audience,” said Beck. “Boston 2026 will be filled with incredible material, and I’m looking forward to capturing those moments and sharing them with collectors everywhere.”

With a growing international audience, Exploring Stamps has become known for making philately more accessible and engaging through storytelling, visual presentation, and educational content. The Boston 2026 studio will extend that mission by connecting the in-person experience of the show with viewers around the world. Boston 2026 is committed to expanding access to the world of philately beyond the traditional organizations to include all types of collectors and the general public

Attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth, say hello, and take part in the experience.

Exploring Stamps is a YouTube channel focused on the stories, discoveries, and collecting experience behind stamps and postal history. Through a mix of educational and entertaining content, the channel reaches a global audience of collectors and enthusiasts, helping to bring new energy and visibility to the hobby.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.