So you may have been collecting stamps for a while or perhaps you inherited a collection, and now you want to take it to the next level.
Below is a guide to moving from a Beginner to an Intermediate collector.
Intermediate Tips
Moving to the intermediate stage is all about turning your general collection of stamps into a meaningful collection and focusing on your new acquisitions with purpose.
Most intermediate collectors will layout out their album pages to include spaces for all stamps for their country or theme of choice based on a catalogue listing. This allows them to easily add missing stamps and identify stamps they already own. It provides the collection with a common structure. Organising a collection by catalogue listings also allows philatelic dealers to easily review collections for valuations or buying purposes.
Collecting against a catalogue also allows you to focus on acquiring stamps with a purpose. That is, to ‘fill the gaps’ with intent.
You may also want to start showing your collection as you progress on your journey. Many intermediate collectors now show their collections through personal Blogs, YouTube (such as Mallard Stamps), Instagram or Facebook.
Intermediate’s Checklist
In addition to the tools you need for as a Beginner, a few more tools are required for the intermediate collector.
- Catalogue – Most collectors use a paper catalogue such as Stanley Gibbons, Scott or Michel. However, there is also a number of online catalogues such as Stamp World and many paper catalogues are available online.
- Scanner/Magnifying glass – Traditionally, collectors used a magnifying glass to determine flaws in stamps listed in catalogues. These days, scanners are far superior to determine small flaws and can be easier for your eyes! Popular scanners include Canon and Epson.
- Stamp Club – Joining a stamp club has many benefits which includes access to members who may be experts in stamp collecting and can help build your basic knowledge. These days you can choose to join an online club or a physical club depending on your personal social preferences.
- Watermark Detector – A water detector assists with determining the different watermarks used on early stamps to prevent fraud. Although some watermarks can be easily detected by the naked eye, others can be more difficult to detect and watermark detectors can make the process easier.
