Alfred Lichtenstein (philatelist)

Alfred F. Lichtenstein (August 6, 1876 – February 24, 1947) was a prominent American philatelist, noted for assembling one of the greatest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and postal history items ever formed.

Born in New York City, Lichtenstein was a successful businessman who devoted his leisure time and considerable resources to the pursuit of philately. He was particularly renowned for his collections of classic United States stamps, especially those of the 1847 and 1869 issues, as well as his extensive holdings of early European stamps and postal history.

Lichtenstein served in several leadership roles within the philatelic community. He was president of the Collectors Club of New York and a signatory to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists. His expertise and passion for the hobby made him a respected figure, and his collection served as a benchmark for other serious collectors.

After his death in 1947, his collection was continued by his daughter, Louise Boyd Dale, and her husband, Alfred Dale. Together they further enhanced the collection, and it was eventually sold in a series of auctions in the late 1960s and early 1970s, realizing record prices and setting new standards for the philatelic market. The Lichtenstein Collection remains legendary within the stamp collecting world.