2025 Nominees
Collaboration of the Year
Åland Post Stamps
(Åland Islands) The Dove of Peace project: The project brought together both small and large postal administrations, such as Åland Post Stamps, Posta Faroe Island, Armenia, Cyprus, UN, Greenland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, and was supported by UPU and German Post, and the result resonated with collectors and the public, selling far beyond expectations.
The embroidery material added a tactile richness and combined with the timeless symbol of the dove of peace, the design carried a hopeful message.
Initiated by Philatelie Liechtenstein and Hämmerle & Vogel, the project flourished thanks to a shared commitment, celebrating craftsmanship and storytelling and borderless partnerships.
Guernsey Post
(Guernsey) In collaboration with PTS Member, Stampfinity, Guernsey Post issued the world's first cyber-stamp this year. By combining physical stamps with a dynamic digital experience, the team hope to attract a new generation of collectors with our cyber-stamps, while still honouring the storytelling that make postal stamps so special.
Stanley Gibbons
(UK) Stanley Gibbons is committed to introducing Philately to a wider audience in the coming years and its collaboration with Veve offered an exceptional opportunity to do just that with collectors ranging from their 20's to their 90s! Not only are collectors now in possession of the digital and physical collectables, but they are also learning about the history of our wonderful hobby and hopefully hooked! The first three GB postage stamps have now been offered on Veve.
BB Stamps
(UK) Three PTS Members (Brian Bayford, Mark Weaving, Paul Keeble) have worked with others to ensure that the Stafford Stamp Show remains a part of the UK Show Schedule. BB Stamps in particular have professionalised the show through a new website, social media, advertising, and printed leaflets. Their aim is simple: to continue delivering a high-quality, welcoming event for dealers and collectors alike, staying true to the spirit of the fair.
Heinrich Köhler
(Germany) Heinrich Köhler collaborated with the AIJP (Association Internationale des Journalistes Philatéliques) to deliver a world class Philatelic Literature Summit this year. Involving speakers from around the world, this Summit attracted over 80 people from 19 different countries. The collaboration lead to education, networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiration for future events and areas of research.
​Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation
(Canada) To celebrate The Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation’s 50th anniversary, they hosted "a Day of Philately" in conjuction with the Royal Philatelic Society London. The day kicked off with a lecture titled Exploring the Contours of Context Philately by Alexander Haimann, FRPSL. Guests then enjoyed displays on a variety of topics by Canadian RPSL members, followed by a cocktail hour that preceded the main event: the 10th Harry Sutherland Philatelic Lecture featuring David R. Beech, MBE, FRPSL. Mr. Beech who presented Philatelic Libraries: The Final Frontier.
Campaign of the Year
David Feldman International Auctioneers
(Switzerland) Print Your Own Stamp at Stampex! I printed 12 of my own stamps! I was really impressed with the technology used here and the fact that the printing was actually self-adhesive stamps. The team were helpful and I liked the facts about stamps that came onto the screen when waiting for the images to generate. Some were very funny! A smart idea especially when the stamps have David Feldman's logo on them.
Royal Mail
(UK) Royal Mail's campaign: "It's more than just a card" highlights how a simple card can convey significant feelings and connection, suggesting it offers more meaning than other forms of communication like phone calls or digital messages. It's beautiful marketing but what I'm most impressed about is that Royal Mail have obviously spent millions on this campaign. It gets people using stamps and sending mail. That's what we need - for stamps to be relevant today and for new people to feel the joy and possible adventure of seeing a stamp on their mail. Kudos to Royal Mail.
Cwiakala Auctions
(USA) Mark makes frequent posts which are fascinating and also nice and short. I like how he finds a way to tell complex and sometimes controversial stories in a concise and insightful way. The photos are also very beautiful - he definitely has an eye for art and a passion for history.
Publication of the Year
Stamp Active Network
(UK) Stamp Active Network produced a new publication to assist young collectors who may be interested in producing a stamp exhibit called “STAMP FUN – Showing Your Stamps”, which can be downloaded from the Stamp Active website. We must encourage young people to get involved and Stamp Active also run a Youth Competition so we need to get more children involved in this.
Robert A. Siegel International Auctions
(USA) Siegel continue to break the mold with their beautiful catalogue covers. What is inside is also amazing! But I want to nominate Scott for how he makes his catalogues stand out. Too many Auction Houses just do the same cover with a different title and stamp on the front. I always judge a book by the cover!
Corinphila
(Switzerland) Corinphila Sale 348 - TRANSPORTATION OF AUSTRALIAN COLONIAL MAIL 1857–1900 - The Gary Diffen Collection. The philatelic trade and industry is a driver for the development of philately. The trade is the place where collectors meet and return continuously. After enjoying a lifetime of collecting and when it is time toapart from a collection - to offer it at sale in auction is more than a sales opportunity.
This catalogue is such an example - it is a reference work given its whole configuration:
- The structure and cross references
- The supporting images and graphics
- The relative completeness and unique standard
- With the prices realised it serves as a reference price catalogue context.
This catalogue is a master piece in its context and with a print run of 2,400, it is widely spread and available.
Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions
​(UK) I think it is important for us to recognise the Constanze Dennis Auction Catalogue - "Champagne and Sausage Rolls". Constanze was a philatelic force and a remarkable women and I want to nominate Grosvenor for ensuring that the auction raising money for her causes truly reflected her personality and passions. Constanze, you are missed.
Trade Ambassador of the Year
Bill Barrell
(UK) Bill has received multiple nominations including comments such as: Frankly, Bill is the only trader that deserves this award. He goes above and beyond any other dealer in helping to promote the philatelic trade both at home and abroad. He combines this with social media to create additional interest. Bill has also been nominated fort he care, attention and encouragement of younger philatelists.
Benjamin Combes
(Switzerland) Whilst it is Benjamin's (of the UPU's WADP) job to promote philately and collaboration across the global community, I don't think anyone could do this job as well as Benjamin. He genuinely cares and has such innovative ideas. He's a trail blazer, a driver, a leader. We are very lucky to have him as part of the trade.
Oscar Young
(UK) It is great to see Oscar promoting philately on behalf of Stanley Gibbons. He is knowledgeable and manages to educate us on complex matters in a simple and friendly way. If I see a video with Oscar in it, I'm watching it!
Franz Fedra
​(Germany) Philasearch promotes so many different companies so I think they should win the prize for the trade ambassador of the year.
Torsten Weller
(Australia) Torsten (of Abacus Auctions) attends exhibitions around the world and I enjoy speaking to him about his experiences and ideas for the future.
Philatelic Ambassador of the Year
John Simper
(UK) Multiple nominations received including: Philatelovely has helped me keep my interest in stamp collection. I feel John has been doing a great job promoting philately worldwide and bringing the fraternity together. He has innovative ways to engage philatelists on various social media platforms. I appreciate his steadfast dedication to philately. Since more than 5 years I have been following him on twitter and my hobby survives as he encourages us to delve into our collection and understand philately better. He is a true philatelic ambassador in every sense. John is really supportive of new collectors, introducing thematics and new countries on a daily basis. His gentle demeanor and welcoming personality invites anyone to his platforms. He has built a huge community of philatelists which all of us interact together through his A to Z of Stamps where we post our stamps to social media to share and hopefully get others interested in philately.
Harold Krische
(Canada) Harold runs the Collaboration Crew and hosted a great session at GASS about digitalisation in philately which is just one example of how he is constantly connecting people and societies to work together and share ideas. He has written articles and I've seen him on YouTube talking about the benefits of collaborating between societies. He is a great guy.
Simon Martin-Redman
(UK) His outstanding initiatives from the British Federation, as vice-president of the Royal Philatelic Society, committee member to promote Monte-Carlo Club and Monacophil, and most of all as President of the Museum of Philately
Sam Chiu
(Canada) I nominate Sam for saving the CPSL by editing the Journal.
Markand Dave
(India) Markand Dave of India is by far one of the most important philatelic influencers currently in our enterprise.
On Sunday 21 December, Markand organises for the 25th time an International Philatelic Summit for philatelists in India. 25 times over the last 20 years he has called philatelists from the whole world to his Summits in India where the program is a combination of seminar programs and social fraternity with philatelists. All leading key note speakers from all over the world have been invited to these Summits to give a key not speech about the diverse range of philatelic topics.
The fact that these Summits have been empowered by The Royal Philatelic Society London, which is the most important philatelic Society in the world, has made these events powerful in the competent facets and shapes.
For the development of the trade going forward, events of this format are key.
In summary, the role Markand Dave has taken as an Ambassador for international philately and the trade, is unique. No other person right now is so unselfish and philanthropic in his manners. He is a very well deserved Ambassador of the Year.
Joseph Stephen
(India) Joe produces such captivating videos from his philatelic adventures showing the world how philately is the king of hobbies. His YouTube channel and posts on Facebook are varied and I think are accessible to everyone. He is a future star.
Bruce Marsden
(USA) Bruce has worked tirelessly this year to assist the Boston2026 team in resolving the "tariffs issue" and through his work has given confidence to exhibitors and dealers that Boston will be a show open to all. Well done Bruce and thank you for your work.
Dylan Coakes
(UK) Dylan is 12 years old and is an avid philatelist. He has started a stamp club at his school, completely run and managed by him. This has become one of the most popular clubs at school with regular attendance from lots of pupils who knew nothing about stamps before this term. He has received plaudits from his teachers for sharing his passion and knowledge and his generosity of giving away stamps and equipment to younger children to help them start their own collections. I have many parents tell me their children have spent the weekend sorting their stamps instead of being on a device!
Graham Beck
(USA) The release of the Pixpost app is another great innovation from Graham to welcome new collectors and enthusiasts into stamps and postal history.
Abhishek Bhuwalka
(India) Abhishek's Substack is one of the best reads in philately anywhere in the world. This is what philately is about… detailed research, acceptance that there can be an interest of anything, sharing knowledge, building a community of experts around you, aspiring to learn more, every day.