American Helvetia Philatelic Society

The American Helvetia Philatelic Society (AHPS) is a United States–based international philatelic organization dedicated to the collection, study, and preservation of the postage stamps and postal history of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Founded in Philadelphia in 1938 by a group of Swiss and American collectors, the Society has grown into the largest English-language Swiss philatelic society in the world, with 215 members from over 11 countries.^[1] It brings together both specialists and general collectors through publications, educational programs, exhibitions, study groups, and online and in-person events.

American Helvetia Philatelic Society

Formation	1938
Type	Philatelic society
Headquarters	United States
Region served	International
Membership	215 members from over 11 countries
President	Steven Opheim
Vice President	Bob Zahm
Secretary	Paul Sobon
Affiliations	American Philatelic Society (Affiliate No. 52), Union of Swiss Philatelic Societies
Website	www.swiss-stamps.org

Illustrative stamps

• 
  Example of the Double Geneva (Geneva Double Eagle) — a rare cantonal issue from 1843, highly valued in Swiss philately.
• 
  1907 Helvetia Brustbild 10c definitive — a classic engraved Swiss definitive designed by Charles L’Éplattenier.

History

The AHPS was founded in 1938 as the Society for Collectors of Swiss Stamps by six Swiss nationals and three Americans living in Philadelphia.^[2] In 1975, the organization was renamed American Helvetia Philatelic Society to reflect its broader geographic reach and expanded membership.

Membership

Membership is open worldwide to collectors of all levels, from beginners to advanced specialists. As of 2025, the Society reports a total of 215 members from more than 11 countries.^[1] The AHPS is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, embracing diversity of background, nationality, and collecting experience.

Member benefits include:

• TELL — The Society’s bi-monthly journal featuring research articles, literature reviews, Society news, and collecting tips for both novice and advanced collectors. Back issues are archived on the Society’s website for members.
• Monthly Member Meetings held via Zoom — A hallmark of AHPS activity, these meetings bring members together from across the globe for presentations on Swiss philately, Show & Tell sessions, and Q&A discussions.
• Access to a large archive of downloadable research documents on Swiss philatelic topics.
• Participation in member-only auctions and special events.
• Reciprocal digital subscription to the Helvetia Philatelic Society of Great Britain newsletter.
• Opportunities to meet in person at the Society’s annual convention in the United States and at selected international exhibitions in Switzerland.

Collecting areas

AHPS members collect and study a wide range of Swiss and Liechtenstein philatelic material, including:

• Swiss Cantonal Issues (1843–1854)
• Swiss Federal Definitives and Commemoratives
• Swiss Semi-Postal (Charity) Issues
• Postal History and Postmarks
• Revenue and Fiscal Stamps
• Liechtenstein Stamps and Postal History
• Topical Collections such as railways, landscapes, and art on stamps

These collecting areas are explored through member exhibits, presentations, and articles in TELL.

Publications

• Research Guides and Articles — AHPS provides downloadable documents on specialized Swiss philatelic topics via its website.

Auctions

The Society conducts member-only auctions several times a year, offering Swiss and Liechtenstein stamps, covers, and other philatelic material. Catalogs use both Scott and SBK numbering, with pricing in U.S. dollars.^[3]

Awards

AHPS sponsors awards at national and local exhibitions, including:

• Grand Award for best exhibit by an AHPS member at the Society’s national conventions
• Swiss-themed gold, silver, and bronze medals at national-level exhibitions
• One-frame, novice, and youth awards
• Certificates for local show exhibits

Affiliations

• Affiliate No. 52, American Philatelic Society
• Member, Union of Swiss Philatelic Societies

Online presence

The Society maintains an active Facebook Group, which serves as a forum for sharing research, images, and news, as well as announcing Society activities.^[4] Its official website hosts resources including TELL archives, research documents, downloadable guides, and online exhibits.

See also

• Postage stamps and postal history of Switzerland
• Postage stamps and postal history of Liechtenstein
• American Philatelic Society