Greetings From Virginia

Hello, Everyone,

Like several others, I am a returnee to philately, sort of. I began collecting at the age of 8, and maintained active interest over the next several decades, building several collections: general worldwide pre-1940, US classics, Austria, British America. My US collection included a complete plating of Scott #9, 20 years in the making. Then in 2006 I sold the lot. I have never regretted the decision, but somehow my interest in the US 1851 one-cent stamp has never died, and I am now returning to that interest. So I have some catching up to do, and forums like this are the best place to do it. Thanks for having me.

Well you will fit in greatly here as there are a few others who share your1851's interests especially on the U.S. One Cent! Welcome to the Stamp Community Dudley! -Jeff

Hi dudley and

Thanks, ILS and Jenny. It's very interesting to see the changes in my corner of the hobby from the perspective of only a few years' absence. Top-quality US classics with certs are far more available on ebay than they were a decade ago. The incorporation of grading into the expertization process seems to have become a done deal (PSE had just started doing this when I left, to the consternation of many). And on-line resources are much more extensive. I once paid hundreds of dollars for a complete set of the USPCS Chronicle, which is now freely available online!

Welcome. I am sure we can all learn much from one another.

Hello Dudley, welcome to Stamp Commuity!