Terms and Conditions

Bidding  
  1. Placing of a bid shall constitute acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.  
  2. Any lot may be withdrawn at any time. 
  3. All lots will be sold to the highest bidder at one increment over the second highest bidder.  
  4. An 18% BUYER’S PREMIUM will be added to the hammer price. 
  5. It is the bidder’s responsibility to examine the lot images and description for accuracy. 
  6. The Auctioneer has the right to reject any bid, advance the bidding and finalize the successful bidder and reoffer the lot at their discretion.

Payment  

  1. Successful bidders agree to pay for their purchases. 
  2. Payment is due within 5 days upon receipt of invoice. Payment must be made in USA funds. Lot(s) will be shipped upon payment.  
  3. Visa, Master Card, Amex, Discover or PayPal may be accepted for payment with a 3% convenience fee. 
  4. Sales Tax will be added at the appropriate rate to the total purchase price (including the buyer’s premium) as applicable per state. Buyers with a valid resale certificate should provide the required documentation prior to the sale.  
  5. All shipping charges for processing, delivery and insurance obtained shall be added to the purchase price.  
  6. Any lots not paid within 30 days will cancel the winning bid of that bidder, and the lot can be made available to the next higher bidder, withdrawn from the sale or sold by whatever means by the Auctioneer.

Lot Conditions 

  1. All lots are sold as genuine unless otherwise noted.
  2. Americana Stamps has provided High-Resolution Photos of each of our lots as an opportunity for bidders to examine the items for identification, condition, usage, authenticity, or any obvious faults. With this in mind, please bid based only on what is shown in our high-quality photos.
  3. Please note that our high-resolution imaging may reveal details and conditions on stamps that are not readily visible to the naked eye. These images are designed to provide maximum clarity and transparency, and bidders should review them carefully before placing a bid. Some of the details observed in the highly magnified photos might be considered normal attributes or faults not normally recognized that do not affect the appearance or soundness of the stamp or cover.
  4. The lots are described to the best of the Auctioneer’s knowledge. The descriptions do not; however, constitute any particular guarantee as they are statements of the opinion of the auctioneer. If the provided description is unclear or questionable or the photos are insufficient, please contact us prior to bidding and we will be happy to assist.  
  5. Lots accompanied by a certificate from The Philatelic Foundation (P.F.) or Professional Stamp Experts (P.S.E.) issued within 5 years of the sale date are sold “as is” based on the description in the certificate. Such lots are non-returnable for any reason, including but not limited to conflicting opinions from subsequent certificates or changes in grade.  A change in grade by the same or a different certification service is not grounds for return.
  6. Requests for expertizing extensions must be made within 5 business days from the auction date. Extension fees must be paid in full and in advance, with no exceptions. Any lot not adhering to this term will not be eligible for return.
  7. Lots placed on extension must be submitted for expertizing exclusively through the auctioneer. Lots are sold as genuine, unless marked “as is.” Only If The Philatelic Foundation (P.F.) or Professional Stamp Experts (P.S.E.) determines that a lot is materially misrepresented, the purchase price will be refunded in full. The lot must be returned within 21 days of the auction. Expertizing costs are the buyer’s responsibility unless the lot is found to be materially different from its description, in which case the consignor will cover the costs. An inability by the expert to provide a definitive opinion does not justify a return.
  8. Lots with incorrect descriptions may be returned if (A) returned within three (3) days of receipt, and (B) returned to Americana Stamps within twenty-one (21) days of the auction date. Disputed lots must be returned intact, in the condition they were received, with no adjustments made. Non-returnable lots include: lots containing 10 or more items; lots purchased by buyers or agents who had the opportunity to inspect them before the auction; items described with defects or rated “Very Good” (V.G.) or below; Lots described as having defects or faults may not be returned because of any faults. No illustrated lots may be returned because of centering, margins or other factors, faults or defects shown in the high resolution photographs as defined in (3).

Consignments  

  1. Americana Stamps is actively seeking consignments for our future auctions, with special interests in Western Express, Carriers, Locals & Independent Mails, US Classics, Confederate States & Civil War, and other 19th Century Stamps and/or earlier United States postal history items. 
  2. No Consignments will be accepted without prior written approval from Americana Stamps. We travel nationally to inspect collections considered for consignment. Please contact us with any questions about travelling to view your collection. 
  3. To inquire about submitting a consignment, please contact us via email, phone or by submitting an inquiry online. 

Use of Photographs and Visual Materials

  1. All photographs, images, and visual materials displayed on this site are the sole and exclusive property of Americana Stamps. These materials are protected under applicable copyright laws. 
  2. Any reproduction, distribution, modification, display, or use of these materials for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited without prior written consent from Americana Stamps.
  3. Permitted uses include personal study, academic research, or inclusion in scholarly or journalistic articles, provided proper attribution is given to Americana Stamps. Prior written authorization is not required for such uses when appropriate credit is clearly displayed. 

Auctioneer and Insurance

  1. Americana Stamps is a California Bonded Auctioneer, adhering to all state regulations to provide security and assurance to our clients.
  2. All items are fully insured through Hugh Wood Inc., ensuring comprehensive coverage from purchase to delivery.