Stamps

Charles F. Shreve has spent more than five decades in the rare stamp industry and has been involved in the sale of nearly billion in philatelic material throughout his career. A recipient of the Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award in 2019, Charles is recognized internationally for his expertise in rare stamps and his contributions to the advancement of philately.  

Charles began collecting stamps at age 12, working Saturdays at a local stamp shop to help fund his growing collection. While still a teenager, he became an apprentice auction lot describer for Roger Koerber Auctions in Southfield, Michigan. He joined Sotheby Parke Bernet Stamp Auction Company in 1977 before going on to lead Steve Ivy Philatelic Auctions and later becoming a partner in Ivy, Shreve and Mader. In 1994, he founded Shreves Philatelic Galleries, which he led until its sale to Spink and Son of London in 2007. He subsequently served as President of Spink Shreves Galleries and, beginning in 2012, as a Director of Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries with responsibility for its international division.  

Throughout his career, Charles has helped transform the presentation and marketing of rare stamps at auction, embracing sophisticated international marketing and becoming the first stamp auctioneer to conduct auctions live on the internet, expanding access to collectors around the world.

Charles has also played a significant role in supporting philatelic institutions and education. His fundraising efforts include helping raise nearly million for the Smithsonian National Postal Museum’s William H. Gross Stamp Gallery, leading a million campaign to refurbish the historic Collectors Club townhouse in New York, and serving as Development Chair for World Stamp Show–NY2016.  

A Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, Charles has served on the Smithsonian National Postal Museum’s Council of Philatelists since 2001 and chairs its Advancement Committee. He is also an expert consultant and former member of the Board of Trustees of the Philatelic Foundation and has held leadership and membership roles with numerous organizations, including the Collectors Club of New York, American Philatelic Society, American Stamp Dealers Association, U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, and American Philatelic Research Library

Tracy L. Carey serves as Consignment Director in the Stamps department at Heritage Auctions, bringing more than 37 years of experience in the international philatelic auction industry. A longtime auctioneer and industry executive, Tracy has been involved in many significant stamp sales and collections throughout her career, combining extensive knowledge of philately with decades of client and auction management experience.

Tracy began her career at Steve Ivy Philatelic Auctions in 1988 and became a licensed auctioneer in 1990. In 1993, she and Charles Shreve founded Shreves Philatelic Galleries, where she remained until the company was acquired by Spink and Son in 2007. She subsequently served on the Board of Directors of Spink and Son Ltd. and spent five years as Chief Operating Officer of Spink USA.

Her later career included serving as Chief Operating Officer of Brigham Auctions, where she oversaw the sale of Ron Brigham’s renowned Canada collection, and then as President and Chief Operating Officer of Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions. In 2019, she co-founded Golden Oak Online Auctions, where she remained until 2026. Among the most notable collections Tracy has worked with is the William H. Gross Collection, widely recognized for its extraordinary depth in United States philately.

Tracy earned a B.S. in Psychology and Early Childhood Development from The University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. In addition to her auction experience, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Graduate Gemologist and is currently working toward renewing her auctioneer license.

A Fort Worth, Texas native, Tracy has supported organizations including the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Women Helping Others (WHO).