A new era for Scott and Linn’s

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

This acquisition places these cornerstone publications of the stamp hobby — the Scott catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly — back into the hands of passionate collectors dedicated to strengthening and modernizing philately for future generations.

That’s the heart of what happened earlier this month when Scott Stamp LLC, the company that fellow collector and entrepreneur David Fritz and I formed, officially acquired these iconic brands from Amos Media Co.

In the official announcement, I said, “It’s incredibly meaningful to see these trusted names in philately return to collector ownership.” I meant every word of that. For me, this isn’t simply a change in business structure, it’s about preserving and reinvigorating the tools and publications that have guided generations of collectors.

For decades, I’ve had the privilege of working within these brands. I’ve seen firsthand the passion of our readers and the trust they place in the Scott catalogs, Linn’s reporting and the publication of stories that tie the hobby together. To now steward these entities into their next chapter is both humbling and energizing for me.

And it wouldn’t have been possible without Don Sundman and Jim Feinson of the Mystic Stamp Co. team, along with additional investors who are passionate stamp collectors themselves. Their belief in the importance of keeping these publications in collector hands — and their willingness to invest in the future of the hobby — made this new beginning possible. This partnership represents the best of what the philatelic community can do when it comes together for a shared purpose.

I also want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to the Amos family. For decades, they served as dedicated stewards of the Scott catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly, investing in these brands and ensuring their survival through tremendous changes in both publishing and the hobby itself.

The opportunity to carry that work forward is only possible because of the foundation they built and the professionalism they showed throughout this transition. We owe them our genuine thanks for their commitment to philately and for helping position the hobby for its next era of growth.

Building a Foundation for What Comes Next

Our first few weeks as Scott Stamp LLC have been busy — there’s a lot to move, migrate, and modernize. The core systems that power the Scott catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly are being updated to build a stronger digital foundation. That work may not be visible immediately, but it’s essential for what we plan to offer in the near future.

The Scott database, the backbone of the catalogs and news publications, will see its most significant upgrade in decades. This project will allow us to develop entirely new digital tools for collectors, dealers, and developers. Imagine being able to search, filter and cross-reference stamps from around the world with greater precision than ever before or having the ability to use Scott data in ways to better manage your collection digitally. That’s the direction we’re heading.

We’re also preparing some familiar titles to evolve in exciting new ways, some of which have been out of print for years. The Scott specialized and standard catalogs will see images restored to their previous sizes for better identification, before they were reduced in recent years. While production costs may rise slightly as a result, we know that larger, clearer images are essential to the collector and worth the investment. The Scott Catalogue of Errors on U.S. Postage Stamps, 20th Edition, is also being finalized for release. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Reimagining How We Tell the Story of Philately

Under Scott Stamp LLC, Linn’s Stamp News will also embrace a digital-first strategy while not forgetting those that want a print edition. We’ve listened to readers who want breaking news and features as they happen. In the coming months, Linns.com will be revitalized to provide daily updates the centerpiece of our coverage, while still maintaining the depth and authority collectors expect.

Each Friday, we’ll release a PDF reader edition — a curated weekly recap that pulls the week’s top stories together in a traditional, magazine-style format. That end-of-week issue will feature exclusive content not available online, giving subscribers the best of both worlds: timely digital news and a thoughtful, collectible weekly edition. And for those who prefer a weekend read, the Friday digital posting will provide a consistent end-of-week edition that’s easy to access and enjoy anytime.

Meanwhile, Scott Stamp Monthly is also being revitalized. The magazine will continue to showcase in-depth research and catalog updates, but with greater variety than before — more worldwide coverage, thematic collecting features, interviews, and creative hobby stories that celebrate the many ways people enjoy stamps today. We want each issue to provide a greater sense of discovery.

Broadening the Hobby’s Reach

One of the aspects I’m most excited about is how Scott Stamp LLC can bring the hobby into new spaces. As David Fritz said so well, “We’re going to meet people where they already are. That means using platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and social media not just to talk about stamps, but to show how collecting connects with art, history, travel, and pop culture.”

David, a NYC-based entertainment and media lawyer with deep relationships in music, TV, film and social media, has been spearheading several ideas that will expand our presence beyond print that include video, podcasts and collaborations with hobby influencers, and even a few recognizable names who share a love for history or design. “The more voices we bring in,” he said recently, “the more people will realize stamps tell the world’s story.”

That vision fits perfectly with our mission. In the press release, we said our goal is “to honor the legacy of Scott and Linn’s while investing in new tools and opportunities to inspire the next generation of collectors.” That means being visible on modern platforms while still maintaining the depth and integrity that have defined these brands for more than a century.

We’ve already started conversations with the American Philatelic Society and others about how we can collaborate more closely to engage new audiences and strengthen the hobby’s community connections.

Looking Ahead to Boston 2026

If there’s one event that symbolizes the excitement ahead, it’s the Boston 2026 World Expo. This once-in-a-decade international exhibition will give us the opportunity to showcase the revitalized Scott and Linn’s brands on a global stage. It will also be a perfect setting to unveil some of the tools and products we’re developing right now.

Following that, the Great American Stamp Show, in Albuquerque, N.M., in 2027, will be an annual cornerstone event to engage with collectors and highlight new developments.

A Shared Vision and a Renewed Purpose

Every transition comes with challenges, and we have plenty of them ahead — technical, logistical, and creative. But the energy from our team and the support from the collector community have been incredible. Our partnership with Amos Media Co. remains strong as we continue to sell products during this transition period through AmosAdvantage.com and maintain subscription access through Linns.com. ScottStamp.com will also begin retailing the Scott catalogs and related products soon, providing another direct option for collectors.

We’re also in the process of finalizing a new headquarters in Troy, Ohio.

I’ve often said that the Scott catalogs are more than price guides — they are the language of the hobby. To be entrusted with its future, alongside Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly, is something I take seriously. These publications belong to the collectors who read them, rely on them, and build their collections around them.

As we begin to ramp up the projects and products the hobby needs, I encourage everyone to get involved and show support in two ways:

Stay connected and subscribe. If you’re not already a subscriber, please consider subscribing to Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly, exploring the Scott digital catalog or purchasing the latest print volumes.

Support through advertising. Dealers, auction houses, and organizations that advertise with us make it possible to continue expanding coverage and investing in the future of hobby publishing.

The next year will bring visible changes: upgraded digital experiences, revitalized publications, and new ways to connect with the broader world. But at the core, our purpose remains the same — to document, celebrate, and grow the hobby we all love.

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