Philatelic Auctions Designed by
by Collectors, for Collectors
Americana Stamps is the culmination of a lifelong passion for philately shared between father and daughter, Angelo Ismirnioglou and Alexa Valdez. Angelo’s journey into the world of stamps began at the age of five, when he received his first album from a Long Beach stamp and coin shop. Growing up in California, he developed a deep appreciation for Western Express postal history, which led him to specialize in Carriers, Locals, and Independent Mails. Years later, he passed this passion on to Alexa, creating handmade stamp albums for her and her classmates. A childhood field trip to Sutter’s Mill, where Angelo recounted tales of California’s gold miners, sparked Alexa’s fascination with history and postal artifacts. Their shared hobby turned into a lifelong pursuit, traveling together to antique shops and auctions in search of early California ephemera and historic covers. What began as a family tradition evolved into a professional commitment to advancing the philatelic auction experience.
Together, they combine tradition with innovation, offering collectors a fresh perspective on stamp collecting while upholding the integrity and scholarship that philately deserves. We are dedicated to preserving philatelic history, educating the next generation of collectors, and modernizing the philatelic auction experience. Our commitment to detailed research, high-quality imaging, and expert insights sets us apart in the industry.
Angelo Ismirnioglou
Angelo’s philatelic journey began at age five when he received his first stamp album from a Long Beach stamp and coin shop. Living in California, he loves studying Western Express Postal History, which has led to his dedicated research in Carriers, Locals, and Independent Mails.
Angelo is retired from the United States Navy, where he flew the P-3 Orion. He then went on to fly the L-1011 Tristar commercially, carrying U.S. Mail on postal contracts and routes with FedEx, UPS, and other private carriers through their systems worldwide. He brings to philately the same complex research and data analysis skills that he honed during his aviation career.
Angelo currently serves as Auction Manager and Treasurer for the Carriers & Locals Society, Regional Vice President for Southern California in the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, and is an active member of the Western Cover Society, Civil War Philatelic Society, Collectors Club New York, and the American Philatelic Society. Angelo has partnered with his daughter, Alexa Valdez, to found Americana Stamps.
Alexa Valdez
Alexa’s passion for stamp collecting began in childhood, inspired by handmade stamp albums her father, Angelo, created for her and her classmates. During a childhood school field trip to Sutter’s Mill, Alexa’s father shared stories of California’s early gold miners. Together, they visited antique shops, searching for Gold Rush-era ephemera and postal history, which ignited her lifelong passion for philately and interests in Western Expresses.
Today, Alexa combines her lifelong interest in philately with her professional expertise as an engineer and a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University. Alexa uses her technical background to bring a fresh, innovative approach to our philatelic auctions. Her skills in analysis and technology enhance the research, presentation, and innovation of Americana Stamps’ offerings.
Alexa serves as the Web Manager for the Carriers & Locals Society and is an active member of the Western Cover Society, U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, and the American Philatelic Society.