A stamp collection without systematic records is difficult to value, impossible to insure accurately, and time-consuming to sell. The collectors who achieve the best results at exchange events and auctions are almost always the ones who have maintained clear, consistent catalogue records from the beginning.
This article outlines a practical cataloguing method suited to both beginners assembling a first country collection and experienced philatelists managing several thousand items.
Choosing a Classification System
The most widely used classification approach in Romania follows the Michel catalogue numbering system. Each stamp is assigned a Michel number that specifies its country, issue, and variety. The Stanley Gibbons system is more common in the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth material, while Scott is the standard in North American circles.
For a collection focused on Romanian issues, Michel is the most practical choice because local dealers, the Romanian Philatelic Federation, and most exchange events use it as the primary reference. Starting with a consistent catalogue system early avoids the need to cross-reference later.
What to Record for Each Stamp
A minimum catalogue entry should capture:
- Catalogue number (Michel, Scott, or Gibbons)
- Issue name and year
- Face value and currency
- Perforation gauge (measured with a perf gauge tool)
- Condition grade (Mint Never Hinged, Mint Hinged, Fine Used, etc.)
- Centering description (well-centred, slightly off-centre, poor)
- Any identified variety (colour shade, watermark type, paper type)
- Catalogue value at time of acquisition (and the catalogue edition referenced)
- Acquisition date and source
Albums, Stockbooks, and Mounts
The physical housing of a collection is as important as the records. Stamps stored loose in envelopes or in direct contact with acidic paper deteriorate over time. Humidity and light accelerate gum deterioration on mint stamps and cause used stamps to fade.
Album Types
Printed country albums with spaces for each issue are useful for general collections because they force systematic coverage and make gaps immediately visible. The limitation is that they do not accommodate varieties, shades, or se-tenant strips outside the main listings.
Blank page albums with hingeless mounts offer more flexibility for an advanced collection or for display purposes. Leuchtturm and Lighthouse brand mounts are widely available through Romanian philatelic dealers.
Handling and Storage
Stamp tongs with flat or slightly rounded tips are standard for handling. Direct finger contact deposits oils that accelerate paper degradation and can permanently mark gum on mint stamps. Never use scissors or non-philatelic tweezers.
Storage temperature ideally stays between 15°C and 21°C with relative humidity between 40% and 55%. Collections housed in heated attics or damp basements deteriorate significantly faster.
Measuring Perforation
Perforation measurement is one of the more reliable ways to distinguish between similar-looking stamps that carry different catalogue values. A perforation gauge measures the number of perforation holes per 2 cm on each side of the stamp.
Romanian stamps from the 1880–1950 period were issued with several different perforation gauges, some combinations of which are considerably scarcer than the standard. The Michel catalogue records these distinctions clearly under each issue.
A transparent odontometer (the flat plastic gauge with a graduated scale) is the basic tool. More precise mechanical gauges with Instanta-style sliding indicators are available from specialist suppliers.
Watermark Detection
Watermarks are patterns embedded in the paper during manufacture. Some Romanian classic issues were printed on watermarked paper, and the watermark type can affect value significantly.
Detection requires a black watermark tray filled with watermark fluid (lighter fluid or purpose-made philatelic fluid) or a specialised LED watermark detector. The stamp is placed face down in the fluid; the watermark becomes visible as the paper temporarily becomes translucent.
Benzine-based fluids evaporate quickly and leave no permanent residue on most stamps, but should never be used on stamps with fugitive inks (certain coloured cancels or some photogravure issues). If uncertain, test on an inexpensive stamp first.
Grading Stamps for Exchange or Sale
Condition grades used in Romanian philatelic circles broadly follow international conventions:
- Mint Never Hinged (MNH): original gum, no hinge remnant, no disturbance
- Mint Hinged (MH): original gum with hinge remnant or light hinge mark
- Fine Used (FU): clear, light cancel; good margins; no faults
- Very Fine (VF): exceptional centering and cancel placement
- Good (G): serviceable but with noticeable faults — short perforations, heavy cancel, or toning
Catalogue values in Michel typically assume Fine condition. Stamps in MNH condition for classic issues regularly sell at 150–300% of catalogue. Stamps with faults sell at a fraction of catalogue, sometimes less than 10% for heavily damaged material.
Digital Records
Maintaining a spreadsheet or dedicated philatelic database alongside physical albums allows for quicker searches by catalogue number or theme. It also makes it easier to calculate the insured value of a collection.
Photographing each stamp on a neutral grey or white background at high resolution creates a record independent of the physical album. This documentation is useful both for insurance claims and for preparing exchange lists.
Several open-source options exist for digital philatelic cataloguing; Stamp Database Pro and similar tools allow import of Michel numbers and export to standard formats.
Exchange Listings and Fairs
Once a collection is catalogued, preparing an exchange list is straightforward. The standard format for Romanian stamp exchanges lists: Michel number, description, condition, and asking price in lei. The Romanian Philatelic Federation publishes a calendar of fair dates in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and other cities.
Related reading: Building a Thematic Philately Collection and Romanian Coins Valuation Guide.