The Iran Philatelic Study Circle (IPSC) is the only worldwide organization devoted to the study of Iranian philately. The IPSC was formed in the United Kingdom in the early part of the twentieth century, reactivated in 1948, and reorganized along its present lines in 1966. IPSC members in the United States and Canada formed the American Chapter in 1982. The American Chapter is Affiliate No. 208 of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and subscribes to the APS Code of Ethics. The IPSC holds general meetings four times each year in London. In addition, the American Chapter holds meetings in October at SESCAL (los Angeles) and Mega Event (New York).

The IPSC Bulletin. The IPSC issues a Bulletin 4-5 times a year with articles on Iranian philately written in English. Over time, the IPSC Bulletin has become the journal of record of Iranian philately. The American Chapter, in addition, issues a newsletter several times a year. The American Chapter's Newsletter provides opportunities for members and dealers to place free advertisements.

The IPSC Catalogue. The IPSC is in the process of producing a comprehensive catalogue of Iranian philately, including stamps, postal stationary, flights, rates, censor marks, cancellations, Indian postal use in Iran, and other related subjects. The Catalogue represents the collective knowledge of all members and is the most authoritative general reference available on this subject. Most pre-1942 sections have now been issued. Many more sections are in their final compilation stages. The IPSC maintains catalogue representatives with both Stanley Gibbons in the United Kingdom and Scott in the United States.

Auctions. The IPSC holds one or two members-only mail auctions each year offering material consigned by members.

Circuits. Members in the United Kingdom may participate in a sales circuit of material submitted by members. Members in the Unted States are encouraged to apply for the APS Iran circuits.

Internet Resources. The IPSC maintains an expanding collection of philatelic resources on the Internet at www.iranphilatelic.org. Guidance describing the main points of how to distinguish genuine philatelic material is available to all visitors. Copies of the Bulletin, Catalogue, and other resources are located in a secured area of the website and may be accessed with the use of a user name and password issued only to IPSC members.

Repositories. Copies of the Bulletin and Catalogue, and American Chapter Newsletters are also available to the public from the following two philatelic repositories in the United States:

American Philatelic Society
Research Library
State College, Pennsylvania

Postal History Foundation
Research Library
Tucson, Arizona

Dues. IPSC dues are assessed on a calendar-year basis and are:

• £10.00 for members receiving their Bulletins by post from the United Kingdom. Members joining late in a year receive all Bulletins issued that year.
• $20.00 for members of the American Chapter receiving their Bulletins by post from the United States.
• Members may elect to receive their Bulletins, auction lists, and other materials over the Internet at this site rather than by post.

Membership Application. If interested in joining the IPSC, please complete and submit the attached form and submit the information by post.