Create your Exhibit
This section of our AASC website is here to help get you started in philatelic exhibiting by creating a structured, thematic display of stamps, postal history, and related items to tell a specific story or demonstrate specialized knowledge. These are typically shown in protective frames at competitive stamp shows and judged on rarity, condition, and presentation.
Philatelic Exhibiting Services
Getting Started
Here you'll find almost everything you need to know to create your first exhibit or tweak your current one.
Our next Exhibiting Meeting is Friday, July 17 at 6PM - AADL Mallett Creek Branch/Birch Room
Advanced Strategies and Tips
This section will help you
Links to Examples on the Web
Gallery
Collecting history, one stamp at a time.
Discover your next treasure!
Team
Ed Arias
AASC Exhibit Chair
While I started collecting when I was 10yrs old, I have only recently in the past 3-4yrs taken philately up seriously and consider myself an intermediate-level collector. However, I have been bitten by the Exhibit-Bug and am just having a good time taking my collecting to the next level.
Name
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a philatelic exhibit?
An exhibit is not simply an album of stamps. It is a carefully curated visual story that uses philatelic materials—such as postage stamps, postmarks, proofs, and postal stationery—to illustrate a specific historical, thematic, or specialized concept.
How are exhibits judged?
Exhibits are judged at local, national, and international levels using a standardized point system. Points translate directly into medals (ranging from Bronze to Large Gold). The standard criteria generally include:
Treatment (30 points): The completeness of your chosen subject and the logical flow of your "storyline."
Knowledge & Research (35 points): The accuracy of your philatelic information and the level of independent study you've applied to the material.
Rarity (20 points): How difficult your items are to find in the hobby.
Condition (10 points): The physical state and quality of your materials.
Presentation (5 points): The overall neatness and visual balance of your exhibit pages.
Do I need rare, expensive stamps to win?
No. Award-winning exhibits have been assembled using highly common, affordable stamps. Judges prioritize philatelic knowledge, proper research, and well-told stories over the market value of the items themselves.
What is a "One-Frame" Exhibit?
A one-frame exhibit is a display that fits exactly into a single, standard exhibition frame (usually holding 16 album pages). It is the perfect starting point for beginners, as it allows you to focus on a highly specific, manageable topic without committing to a massive multi-frame display.
Where can I find resources and rules?
Before creating your pages, you should read the specific competition rules and consult the Exhibitor Prospectus for the show you are entering. Helpful resources include:
American Philatelic Society: Offers guides and exhibit checklists.
American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors: Provides resources specifically tailored to helping beginners.
American Topical Association: Provides excellent guides on structural elements like write-ups and title pages.