My stamp collection

I collect used (including both real and CTO-used) worldwide stamps from the era of 1840-2010. The below tables contain a simplified summary of my stamp collection – containing over 60,000 different worldwide items. On the right side you will see a list of latest additions / changes to my collection. As a generalization, my collection is roughly 10% complete (meaning it still needs “humble” 550,000 different additions to make it complete up to date). But if all goes well I have 50 years of time to work with missing stamps

Part of my worldwide stamp collection

Evolution of my collection

I’ve been tracking the number of stamps in my collection since year 2000 (or so). However, my recent tracking system (with country specific completion level) has been in use from 2010 onwards. Especially in recent years my collection has grown in somewhat fast pace (5-10,000 new items per year).

A more detailed look

Please note that these tables are a work-in-progress, and they may contain inaccurate data on some places (but I’m doing my best to keep these clean of erratas). In total the table below lists about 1,000 postal administrations (and other entities) that that have issued postage stamps in the above era.

Africa

America

Asia

Australia & Oceania

Europe

Middle East

1. Frederick Gibson wrote (on January 10, 2010) :
   

   What an amazing collection. Which Katanga and Uganda stamps do you have.The reason I ask is that i am currently in Uganda and have come across several Uganda stamps and a few Katanga stamps
   regards

2. Keijo wrote (on January 10, 2010) :
   

   Thanks Frederick,

   You make me blush… Compared to w/w collections having 300-400,00 different stamps I feel my collection is peanuts. But I’m having lots of fun accumulating it with pocket money budget

   As for Uganda, the 28 stamps I have are mainly from the first (1962 Independence) or third (flowers) definitives issue; the latter being CTO-cancelled mostly. And few truly used butterfly defins (from the 1980’s)… So I’ve got plenty of spaces to fill.

   As for Katanga, the only used stamp I have is 10c green “traditional arts” issued in 1961… I’ve seen quite a lot of mint Katanga several times, but used copies (with real or CTO cancel) seem to be very hard to come by.

   best,
   -keijo-

3. Nagwa Gomaa wrote (on January 21, 2010) :
   

   Hi Keijo , may be i can help you in some items you are missing, specially egyptian items and some african & middle eastern countries,we can exchange stamps but i need to know what countries you can offer, if you are intersted pls send me on my email,and i can provide you with a scan of what i have. and finally thanks for that very inersting blog…..
   Nagwa

4. Keijo wrote (on January 21, 2010) :
   

   Hi Nagwa,

   As said on my public stamp exchange page, I offer unsorted worldwide. I don’t do specific countries or want lists in this exchange as I like to keep things simple, open and fun for everyone willing to exchange… In return I try to sent a wealthy mixture of countries around the world.

   best,
   -keijo-

5. sophia wrote (on January 22, 2010) :
   

   hi keijo
   i really like your idea of exchanging and collecting stamps.
   i just wanted to ask if it is ok to send stamps from india and oman?

   sophia

6. Keijo wrote (on January 22, 2010) :
   

   Hello Sophia,
   and thank You… India, Oman etc. stamps from Asia and Middle-East are highly welcomed

   best,
   -keijo-

7. Wilf Saz wrote (on January 23, 2010) :
   

   Hi Keijo,

   I commend you on the task that you have undertaken but may I offer up some of my thoughts on this:
   I too started collecting worldwide when I was a little boy (I am now 50 yrs old). You get to a point where, after collecting for many years, you find that it is much more satisfying to have a small but complete collection rather than a huge collection that really does not tell a story. A case of quantity with no quality. Besides this is a mission that is bound to never be fulfilled since it requires very deep pockets to accomplish. My advice (for what it’s worth) would be to cut down on the scope and go for a smaller scale. In time you will experience the joy of seeing your complete collection. I specialise in only 2 countries and I am proud to say that of one of them, I have ALMOST every stamp issued (except 2) and the other country is about 97% complete. They look beautiful mounted in albums.
   Please do not take this the wrong way. I wish you well in your quest. Regards

8. Keijo wrote (on January 23, 2010) :
   

   Hi Wilf,

   and thanks for sharing some words of experience. I’ve collected stamps “only” 27 years but I think (/hope) that I’ve still got a lot to learn

   Anyway… Personally I think that worldwide collecting and specializing (single country collecting, thematics or postal history) are not exclusive to each other. That’s what the collectors of the “golden era” did, and that’s what I do as well. And I’m enjoying it very much.

   Completion is a goal, but I’m not taking it too seriously as most (specialized) collectors never manage in completing their more focused collections neither. Having fun while collecting is the most important aspect for me, everything else comes second place.

   best,
   -keijo-

9. phil bruno wrote (on January 25, 2010) :
   

   Hello, my name is Phil..i am a life member APS and member since 1998 of The International Society of Guatemala collectors..i collect worldwide to 1969 in Scott International albums..i have accumulated tubs of stamps many of which 1970-to present are too new for me and i would gladly swap..i could certainly help with a couple of hundred different Guatemala…i constantly go through my stockbooks,boxes etc and still “buy” from myself..i would not mind swapping stamps with another collector..i consider myself an “intermediate” collector..Thank you !!

10. phil bruno wrote (on January 26, 2010) :
    

    Keijo, your bookcase of stockbooks looks too organized for me..and the lists of which stamps you have !! i must enjoy looking upstairs and downstairs when i want a particular book or box of stamps !!! phil

11. Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2010) :
    

    Hi Phil,

    please see my public stamp exchange offerfor guidelines I’m interested in exchanging.

    However, I need to highlight that of the guidelines in my public exchange offer is “no wantlists” – and I fear that Your need/want for pre-1970’s stamps qualifies as such. What I offer in this exchange is unsorted worldwide – both new and old. So you may end up having something that doesn’t match your needs at all.

    best,
    -keijo-

12. Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2010) :
    

    Thanks Phil.

    Actually the lines look even even these days as I’ve started placing “country labels” on the spines of stock books.

    As for my “lists”… Let’s just say they are a labor of love that I’ve built upon years. I know they (may) hold minor inaccuracies/ erratas, but I will fix them someday when I have the time

13. Mico wrote (on March 1, 2010) :
    

    Just see that Your collection is growing well – and that plenty of time need to be used in managing this blog pages. Between all I see that #1 postally used are really hard to find, between all I have one sample from Russia #1 (scan I can send You) and when is talking in Serbia, Yugoslavia and all ex-Yugoslavia countries, there I also have some interesting postally used cover.

    best regards
    Milco

14. Keijo wrote (on March 2, 2010) :
    

    Hi Mico,

    I agree it’s growing quite well

    Personally I’m not really worried about the “difficult items” (or #1’s) – they either come or not at some point. And as I’m quite young for a stamp collector, I have lots of time on my side.

15. Novie wrote (on April 5, 2010) :
    

    Hi again Keijo

    I think you will like if I send you Asia stamps
    Let me know,, same with me, used, world wide, and good condition, no want list

16. Keijo wrote (on April 5, 2010) :
    

    Hi Novie,
    Of course I will like it

17. James M Jacobs wrote (on April 22, 2010) :
    

    Have notice you have no stamps listed for the United States of America . I have a lot of stamps dup from Poland,United States,China,Hungary, ect World wide . I have collected stamps from 1959 to 2010. I collect Cz Slania engraved stamps he engraved over 1070 stamps from 39 countries. For two years now have worked on two web site and three blogs.

    Cz Slania did 1070 die cuts and did not count any stamps that were issue more than once in any country. Cz Slania came out with his own album and catalogue of which I do not have but I have a complete list of the ones he counted and has listed in his catalog. So at this time I have about 80% of his works started two years ago. Some I will never be able to get the cost for some are almost $2000 each. So the stamps I would be interested in would be from 20 different countries he has done. There is a good chance looking at your list of stamps you could have a lot of the stamps even dup.

    I got your site from a friend on my network which I am a member of Myphilately.com .I am also a member of Salem Stamp Society; my blog is listed in the links page at their site.

    [msg edited by Keijo]

18. Keijo wrote (on April 22, 2010) :
    

    Hi James,

    and thanks for dropping by my blog. I took the liberty of slightly editing your message (mainly adding paragraphs, in addition I removed few personal details to protect Your privacy)… Anyway, it’s extremely nice to hear from fellow MyPhilately member & philatelic webmaster.

    As for United States stamps… I do have them. Lots of them actually, they are listed under USA on my list. So far I’ve got approx. 43% completion level for U.S. But still, there is a whole lot of spaces to fill.

    As for Czeslaw Slania… Since Finland and Sweden (as well as Poland) are neighboring countries, many Finnish collector are extremely familiar with his (as well as for example Martin Bjorks) productions. But despite being somewhat well known figure, surprisingly few seem to collect his stamp designs at least in Finland.

19. supanath wrote (on May 4, 2010) :
    

    i am from thailand .i am very interested to have worlwide stamp. i am a young boy, but i see that stamp is very nice hobby .i think u have a lot. if possible can u share to young people

20. Keijo wrote (on May 4, 2010) :
    

    Hi Supanath,

    please see my exchange page for a how-to trade stamps with me.

    best,
    -keijo-

21. Novie wrote (on May 7, 2010) :
    

    Keijo, I got your letter today! thanks for the stamps and I’m so glad you happy with some of the Indonesia stamps I sent you. Yes, I hope we can exchange again in the future! Thank you!

22. michelle wrote (on May 12, 2010) :
    

    I have 12 stamps from Kenya. I found them in an old picture frame. There is a date of 1994 on a little sticker. If you would like them, let me know if I can mail them to you. I’ll hang on to them for a few weeks.

    Great job on your collection!

    Michelle
    Mother of three young boys, possibly aspiring to collect stamps (or something, I hope) some day!

23. Keijo wrote (on May 12, 2010) :
    

    Hi Michelle,
    if you don’t need them, I think I can give them a new loving home Take a look of my exchange page for instructions on how to mail me.

    best,
    -keijo, a father of four girls (who very likely will become collectors of something some day as they appear to have inherited “collector gene” from both of their parents, LOL) -

24. Sam Cutler wrote (on May 29, 2010) :
    

    I just discovered your blog yesterday and I wanted to chime in on the matter of worldwide versus specialized collecting.

    I started collecting stamps in 1958, with my father’s guidance, and like everyone else, collected worldwide. I may have continued the worldwide collection throughout my lifetime, but in 1979 I was the victim of a burglary and nearly all was lost. I was faced with these choices: start all over or specialize. Worldwide collecting had given me a tremendously satisfying background, but after a few months, I decided to specialize in Jamaica, eventually narrowing it down to used only, then to collecting by cancel type, and finally, concentrating on the first 32 stamps issues (1860 to 1901).

    When specializing, one must acquire early on all of the relevant handbooks/literature. In specialized collecting, there is still no such thing as completeness. Even today, new discoveries can be made in such a limited area as my specialty. I believe the reason for this is that there are so many dealers who have acquired collections from the heirs of (deceased) collectors and that so many of the collectors were not specialized. Ordinary appearing stamps residing in these old-time collections are counted as simply used, and it takes considerable time to acquire advanced knowledge in esoteric areas. Even the vast majority of dealers can not devote the time required to learn about rare cancels.

    When spotting the rare cancel in large lots of stamps on ebay, the sharp-eyed specialists bid handsomely for the one single stamp with the rare cancel. I am certain that the sellers have no idea why the lot realized an unexpectedly high price because future offerings of similar material (without premium items) have elevated starting prices and yield no bids.

    So, joy to us all – worldwide collectors and specialists!
    I’ll be glad to assist anyone with questions about Jamaican stamps or their cancels.

    Sam Cutler

25. Jason wrote (on May 29, 2010) :
    

    That is a collection that must have a lot of diligence on your part. I just reviewed your list to compare world stamps that I have. I’m not a big collector but back in the 1970’s when I was a child I found a stamp collecting book in the attic and held onto it. The book fascinates me since the stamps are dated back as far as 1849 with Countries and Provinces that don’t exist anymore or have changed names, along with other unique items like War Tax stamps, Vatican City Stamps, etc. Do you think I should insure this book?

26. Keijo wrote (on May 30, 2010) :
    

    @Sam … Great story.

    I agree that specializing can open up doors for new finds and possibilities. Thought I’m a worldwide collector, it has never stopped me from attempting a more in-depth research/study on items I find interesting. Maybe my miscellaneous findings are of not great monetary (or philatelic) value, but more importantly they do nourish my (personal) love for the hobby of stamp collecting.

    I’ll definitely try to remember your generous offer about answering to Jamaica related questions

    best,
    -keijo-

27. Keijo wrote (on May 30, 2010) :
    

    @Jason.

    Diligence? Maybe not… I’m too lazy /comfort-seeking for that kind of behaviour, LOL.

    As your book… I’d show the book (physically) to some professional stamp dealer and ask for his/her appraisal. Very likely You will get a modest (possibly even low) estimate, but it should be enough to give you some kind of indicator whether or not the collection is worth insurance fees. To get a more accurate picture about the real value of collection, the only possibility is that You (or some other collector) would check each stamp individually.

28. Keith wrote (on June 11, 2010) :
    

    Where did you get the numbers of the stamps issued? Is this up until 2000? Do you say somewhere which countries you continue after 2000? Questions, questions!
    Love this site – just spent a couple of happy hours reading through some of the pages
    (I found your site during a {so far} fruitless search to identify a Japanese/Taiwanese/Chinese/have-no-idea-ese stamp – do you have any tips, a page or something about identifying stamps that have no Latin characters?)
    Thanks for all the time you have spent on this so that people (like me) miles and miles away can use your knowledge!

29. Keijo wrote (on June 11, 2010) :
    

    Hi Keith,

    The “total number of stamps issued” data is based on Michel stamp catalog major types. And no, it’s not 100% accurate numbers as I have done a simple (and manual) rough count between first and last stamp listed. And no, it’s not 100% complete neither as there are several locals missing etc.

    As for what era do the numbers represent… It varies. For some countries the numbers are very up-to-date (meaning end of 2009), while others are based on older data (anything between end of year 2000 and 2008)…. I’m updating the data every now and then to make it consistent, but it’s a slow process.

    As for identifying non-latin stamps… I do have plenty of tips, but it would make a VERY long comment. Possibly the most consistent (but also the hardest) is identifying the character set used in stamp. But I’ll promise to write about the subject some day… As your problem stamp…If you can upload the image of stamp somewhere (like PhotoBucket, Picasa or Flickr), I can take a look at it and give my opinion.

30. Keith wrote (on June 12, 2010) :
    

    Brilliant – my weekend project is to work out my percentages! Also, I have uploaded a photo of my irritating stamp – I am sure it is common but it is eluding me. I have a Flickr account (which I had forgotton all about) – but how do I let you know?? My Flickr name is Pillowcaseangel – can you find it from that? (as you can tell, I am not really a whizzkid on the computer…..)
    Cheers
    Keith

31. Keijo wrote (on June 12, 2010) :
    

    Hi Keith,

    Yes, I can find it based on username. Here’s a link to your image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8019091@N05/4691948086/

    First, I can say the inscription is in Japanese (or so I think). And the image design appears very Japanese as well. But the inscription doesn’t definitely match normal Japanese mainland or Ryukyu stamps , so it could be some kind of occupation zone or local issue.

    And secondly, it’s not a postage stamp. I’ve seen these “easy-to-identify” characters on Japanese revenues:

    

    But that’s pretty much as far as I can go… I think some of the Japanese readers of the blog could solve this very quickly.

32. Keith wrote (on June 13, 2010) :
    

    great, Keijo,
    Thanks a lot, hopefully someone will be able to identify it.
    Best wishes
    Keith

33. Shinjini wrote (on June 22, 2010) :
    

    hi
    am interested to exchange stamps with you . Kindly tell me what to do?

34. Keijo wrote (on June 22, 2010) :
    

    Hi Shinjini,

    see this page and follow the instructions found on the page.

35. Seth wrote (on August 18, 2010) :
    

    Hi Keijo,
    I’ve been enjoying our stamp exchanges. I just wanted to leave a post, out of curiosity, to ask what your collecting policy is towards duplicate stamps printed in slightly different shades? If one looks really hard the variations (I presume between different batches) seem almost endless. Sometimes it is difficult to decide when colour variation is caused simply by the stamps condition, but in other cases differences of printing colour and quality are far more obvious. I have started keeping multiple copies of a stamp where there are obvious differences, but I don’t really want to get too bogged down in this area unless it is generally regarded as being important.

    Many thanks for all the info on this site,

    Seth.

36. Keijo wrote (on August 18, 2010) :
    

    @Seth… I can confess that I have (and will continue to) collected variations of all sorts all my life. I have quite large numbers of misc color variations. And smaller numbers of misc print flaws, EFOs, perforation varieties, perfins, print shifts, watermark positions, coil stamps, forgeries etc… And, these are not included to my inventory numbers on this page… I think they alone would add around 15,000 misc items to above figures.

    But I confess being a bit picky, especially with color variations…If there is any evidence that the color variety is caused by environment, then I’ll usually dump it (unless it’s otherwise interesting item)… I think a good example of these are some of Victorian-era UK stamps (which I’m sure you’ll might know more than I). For what I’ve read, several of these are very prone to both water and sunlight – and copies with vivid/strong colors are highly sought after. But due to their nature, most available copies exists in very pale shades or otherwise bizarre looking colors.

    To make some sort of order to chaos (and especially to find out what is a true variety and what is not), one should specialize and dig a whole lot deeper to philatelic details. And now I’m talking about people who devote most of their life/time to researching a single stamp /type series, and look these stamps under microscope. And though I value the efforts and research results these kind of collectors do, that kind of collecting is definitely for me… But for more serious minded collectors/philatelists, that is the essence of philately (besides study of postal history).

    So yes, collecting the varieties can be either fun or serious. And it can have a deeper meaning, or not… But personally I would not spend too much effort, especially with extremely light shade variations (without identifiable print number or clear date cancel – which might help in putting the stamp/print on timeline).

37. Alex wrote (on August 26, 2010) :
    

    Hi, Keijo!!!

    I’ve accidentally stumbled upon your blog today and …. wow, I was astonished and amazed!!!! It just absorbed me completely reading blog articles!!! I’ve been collecting stamps and coins since childhood and all you say hear about worldwide stamp collecting is 100% consistent with my thoughts! This is the best stamps blog I’ve ever read )). Superb!!!!!!!! I wish you achieved your target goal of assembling 500,000 stamps!!!

    I also wonder if you could send me your excel template.

    Best wishes, Alex, Belarus

38. Keijo wrote (on August 26, 2010) :
    

    Thanks for the praise, Alex
    I’ll send you email soon…

39. Steven wrote (on September 9, 2010) :
    

    Keijo,
    Read Fred’s comments and let me add that the US Shelter pets can be soaked (which I found out by accident), but am unsure about the Comics series. Both will be in your next mailing. Happy Collecting!!

40. Keijo wrote (on September 10, 2010) :
    

    @Steven… Thanks for the tip. It means some soaking time on the weekend I recall that Linns had something about soakability of Sunday Funnies, will try to check it later (or just try it in action as I’ve got some Sunday Funnies spares already).

    And one more cover, #103 for this week… Markus from Austria sent another large mixture; this time filled with West Germany. And I think this makes an prime example that looking at completion percentages alone doesn’t give complete picture. All in all I took about one fifth of sending – about half of these are truly new items to me, the rest are something I think will improve the quality (especially cancel-wise, but some centering too) of items I already have. Yes, the exchange percentage was slightly lower than with average sendings, but I’m still happy as I managed to get some useful items – and hopefully Markus too experiences the same….Return cover for this one will be mailed this evening with some nice stamps on top of cover too

41. Shinjini wrote (on September 10, 2010) :
    

    Dear Keijo

    Although you you have specified your requirement sand criteria for stamp exchange very clearly , i would like to ask you if you are interested in first day covers having cancelled stamps?

42. Keijo wrote (on September 10, 2010) :
    

    Hi Shinjini,
    they are of no interest to me. Sorry…

43. Tahir Anjum wrote (on September 18, 2010) :
    

    Dear Keijo,
    I was seeking a Saudi Arabian Collector and struck your site. I have gone into details of your collection which is in itself a Herculean task and I congratulate you for it. Like you, I am also a Collector of WW stamps (((50 years))) from Pakistan and like you I too have been often advised to concentrate on fewer countries….but although I may be interested more in some and lesser in others, I just cannot seem to discard any. as a matter of fact the less stamps you have of a country, the more the thirst.
    I have a lot of duplicates and can give USA and GB 400,Australia/Germany 300 each, Canada 200 and even Israel 200 besides a lot of Pakistan issues. Please contact if interested

44. Keijo wrote (on September 19, 2010) :
    

    Thanks Tahir. I too like my collection a lot

    As a matter of fact the less stamps you have of a country, the more the thirst.
    I agree fully.

    I have a lot of duplicates…Please contact if interested
    Please see my stamp exchange page if interested. It very simple, and hopefully a fun way to exchange duplicate stamps to possibly something more useful.

45. Jagannath Mani wrote (on September 24, 2010) :
    

    Hi Keijo ,
    may be i can help you in missing, specially India items. And in return can i get my thematic subject Olympic and elephants? If you are interested pls send me on my email, and finally thanks for that very interesting blog…..
    with regards
    Jagannath Mani

46. Keijo wrote (on September 24, 2010) :
    

    Hi Jagannath,

    and thanks for the offer. Unfortunately I’ll have to decline… Right now I’m not looking for new private exchange partners. You may however be interested in taking a look to my public/open-for-all exchange at http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/stamp-exchange. This exchange is simple “no wish / want list” exchange so You may not be interested. But if you collect worldwide stamps it can be lots of fun

47. Carrie Candiano wrote (on October 19, 2010) :
    

    Thank you for your reply….I think it is beautiful and will cherish it even if it isn’t worth anything….I appreciate your help in identifying my stamp. Have a blessed day.

48. dana wrote (on January 3, 2011) :
    

    amazing
    I’ve never see something like this
    hope you will find your missing

49. Rick Young wrote (on January 25, 2011) :
    

    Seeing as you are a collector of worldwide stamps, I am wondering if you can help me ID a stamp that appears to be from Greece or that area. I have scanned it but don’t know how to post the scan. It is inscribed with XAPTOSHMON (S is Sigma) at the top with an image of an angel. Around the angel it is inscribed with EPIRA on the left and MAKEDONIA on the right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

50. Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2011) :
    

    Hi Rick,

    I have few ideas, but the image would help me narrow down. Here are short instructions on how to show me (and other readers of the blog) on image:

    1) Upload the picture to some photosharing site (Photobucket, Flickr,Picasa etc)

    2) Make sure the photo is public (viewable to anyone)

    3) Finally come back to this blog and post the image address/URL here.

51. Rick Young wrote (on January 28, 2011) :
    

    Thanks, Keijo. I will remember your suggestion next time I am looking for help. It turns out in the meantime I got help from a stamp dealer who I know very well, and it was a postal tax stamp from Greece. Again, thanks.

52. Laurence wrote (on February 16, 2011) :
    

    Hi Keijo
    Your fabulous list of countries/entities will need to expand soon – with the break-up of the netherland antillies into their separate countries (eg St Maarten, Curacao) last year, and Sudan into North and South this July, I imagine there will be issues relatively soon. As an aside my 4yo said he wants to collect the pictures (stamps) with me rather than coins. That is one way to get motivated! Laurence

53. Keijo wrote (on February 16, 2011) :
    

    @Laurence… I agree this list is a work in process. It’s not just the new nations that await inclusion, but I have a long list of local issues etc. that I’d like to add up as well. If I just had the time…

    Re, kids & stamps… My youngest kid (she’s 3½ right now) does often sit to my lap while browsing stamps. It’s sure a good way to pass on the collecting bug… Maybe they don’t become collectors when grown up, but unlike most kids they will know what stamps look like and how much joy collecting these bits of paper can bring to “stamp nuts” like me. LOL.

54. David Barban wrote (on March 9, 2011) :
    

    I stumbbled upon this site. I must say that I am “very imppressed!”. I find it very professional. I collect stamps since 1972 (age 8). I now focuss on two countries since 1997: China and Hong-Kong.

    As you probably guessed, I have “the other counties” too, but as you know, collecting even two countries takes a lot of time. My 10 years old niece started a stamp collection, so when I see her, I bring her stamps.
    Yours truly,
    David Barban

55. Kristin wrote (on May 20, 2011) :
    

    I have taken the plunge and started to move my world wide stamps to stockbooks. I credit you for my inspiration. They had been in Minkus albums, but I kept having to add new pages. Before I placed my stamps in the albums, I kept them in envelopes sorted by county. Recently, these envelopes have been becoming overloaded because I did not have a spot for the stamps in my albums. The act of moving the stamps to stockbooks has been a relaxing activity and has helped me see what I have. I have also made a table similar to yours where I can keep track of the number of stamps I have from each country. It is interesting to see how my numbers differ from yours because of a difference in catalog used. I am using Scott catalogs for my collection. I have a question for you. What do you do about larger items when placing them in your stockbooks? I have started placing souvenir sheets in the stockbook still inside the mount. I am not sure if this is going to be the best solution long-term. I had debated buying Vario stock sheets to accomodate larger items, but trying to find the right size seemed too complicated and this option appeared to be more expensive. I really enjoy reading your blog and I need to get another sending ready for you. However, it seems you are going on break for a little bit, so I will have to wait.

56. Keijo wrote (on May 21, 2011) :
    

    Hi Kristin,

    It is interesting to see how my numbers differ from yours because of a difference in catalog used.

    I’ve noticed this too… It definitely makes one think what the word “complete” actually does mean. It’s amazing how different editorial styles even same catalogs can possess depending on country, and how large influence it can have on number of stamps (if counted on main number level).

    I have a question for you. What do you do about larger items when placing them in your stockbooks?

    I place them on a separate strip, and make sure they don’t overlap with any other stamps/ items. It’s easy to use method, looks good, and provides the sheets all the protection they need.

    I have started placing souvenir sheets in the stockbook still inside the mount. I am not sure if this is going to be the best solution long-term.

    There is a possibility that the increased thickness of items could damage stock book (either binding & strips; especially the strips are very prone to damages if placing anything thicker to them for extended period). But otherwise I don’t believe this to harmful.

57. Gabriel wrote (on July 17, 2011) :
    

    I expected a full photographic gallery of your collection! Where is the pride of showing them off!

    Awesome site.

58. Keijo wrote (on July 17, 2011) :
    

    @Gabriel… Thanks

59. Rick Young wrote (on July 18, 2011) :
    

    Sound like Gabriel is offering you a new challenge, Keijo!!!

60. Keijo wrote (on July 18, 2011) :
    

    @Rick… Actually I have plenty of pictures of my collection, but the images are not of the quality or use I’d consider putting online. Anyone who’s taken snaps of album pages with camera knows what I mean – you can make out the stamps, but the images are eons away from the quality you see on posts. Below is a small teaser:

    

    Scanning all the 60,000+ individual stamps and mounting them virtually on album pages… Now that would be an challenge … But let’s just say that I have couple of other smaller (stamp related) projects on higher priority (and if all goes well, at least one of them will be ready by the end of this summer).

61. Rick Young wrote (on July 24, 2011) :
    

    Keijo, above you list “number of stamps issued” for each country. This is going to be my denominator for calculating the % I have, a la your template. What is included in this number? For example, does it include, say, semi-postals, airmails, officals, parcel post, etc.? Thanks!

62. Keijo wrote (on July 24, 2011) :
    

    @Rick… The number includes all items listed in Michel. Compared to Scott catalogue, I’d say that with the exception of US and Canada, the listings in Michel are 5-20% more verbose than the ones in Scott. So for most countries everything from Scott is there, and likely a bit more

    I should add, that I’m trying to publish a new, much more verbose & accurate version of “my collection” later this year. It’s something I’ve been working on my summer vacation along with Czechoslovakian stamps. It’s very much a work in progress (and thus private for the time being). But it will add about 400 countries/regions/locals etc. that are omitted in current listings.

63. Erik wrote (on August 13, 2011) :
    

    Great blog. I started collecting not too long ago and have about 10k stamps. Wayy behind you but hopefully i can catch up.
    Would it be possible to get the excel template?

64. Keijo wrote (on August 13, 2011) :
    

    @Erik… Thanks
    10k stamps is a terrific start. I think it took me 10 -15 years to hit that mark. These days I try to add up that each year
    I’m sending you email, so please check your inbox.

65. Erik wrote (on August 17, 2011) :
    

    Hi Keijo,

    Do you update your stamp count on this page still? I ask because I read in another one of your articles how you increased your Czechoslovakia collection from 40 to 80 pages and I am curious how many more stamps that was.

66. Keijo wrote (on August 17, 2011) :
    

    @Erik… Oh yes. The increase was roughly 1,000 major number stamps & roughly 250 misc variations (mainly small sized definitives). Still need roughly 1,000 more stamps from Czechoslovakia before reaching some level of completion.

67. FRED MUGURUZA wrote (on August 23, 2011) :
    

    Keijo…I was checking your collection and I stop on the section of spanish stamps and…I don’t get it…why you have a list of the cities, towns, provinces, etc. of that country?…is because of the stamps depicting places /honouring monuments on that specific town????!!!…or you think those provinces (part of the Peninsula Iberica) has issued their own stamps?

    I know very well Bilbao (Bilbo in euskera language) and I am one of the thousands basques wishing the independence from Spain soon…but I think there is a few very old stamps issued in the Basque country…probably before the Spanish civil war…and I have a few spanish stamps depicting basque motives, the flag (Ikurriña) and Picasso’s ‘Guernica’…among others…and this summer…prendre un bain de soleil!…L O L!

68. Keijo wrote (on August 23, 2011) :
    

    @Fred… These are mostly local issues from the Spanish civil war era. Most of them should be local overprints on regular Spanish stamps.

69. Erik wrote (on August 29, 2011) :
    

    Hi Keijo,

    I noticed you haven’t updated your new acquisition area at the top of this page. I guess that beautiful weather outside is keeping you busy. I picked up another 1500 stamps from various WW lots in the last 2 weeks. I’m getting ready to start using the list.

70. Keijo wrote (on August 30, 2011) :
    

    @Erik… True. Yesterday I spent most of my after hours time fixing my bicycle (dismantling and re-greasing wheel hub bearings). Much more fun do it outside in the sunshine than in dark garage.

71. fredbee wrote (on October 27, 2011) :
    

    Hi: Nice collection. Just scanning the list I noticed you have Danish West Indies in Asia, however it is in America (now the US Virgin Islands). Over the years I have accumulated world modern used, which I don’t collect. I would be happy to donate some for the “cause” if you tell me where to send them.

72. Keijo wrote (on October 27, 2011) :
    

    @Fredbee… Well spotted . I wonder how I (and everybody) else missed that one
    Re, mailing address… Please see my stamp exchange page.

73. Jorma wrote (on December 4, 2011) :
    

    Hi,
    I have read few days this blog and now it´s time to arrange my stamps. You Keijo have lots of ideas and I try to put them work. I have downloaded all the pages from stampalbums.com (classic era) and start to fill pages. All other materials I exchange some ways.
    Pikaista paranemista Keijo!

74. Keijo wrote (on December 5, 2011) :
    

    @Jorma… Kiitos

75. Diana wrote (on January 13, 2012) :
    

    Hi -
    Just discovered your website in the last few days. Wonderful info and very interesting. I started stamp collecting at age 9, but discontinued while busy with a career. Recently inherited a bunch of stamps and no longer working full-time, so I am now inspired to go back to this hobby.
    I hope to send you an exchange packet soon!
    Diana in California

76. Keijo wrote (on January 13, 2012) :
    

    @Diana… Thanks. It’s always nice to hear about a succesful comeback to this hobby of ours. It seems quite a msny people turn back to their old childhood/youth hobbies sooner or later. Maybe because of all the good memories… Looking forward to your exchange sending:-)

77. Harth wrote (on January 25, 2012) :
    

    Hello
    I think you put yourself on very hard position. You may need your kids to follow up your hobbit.

    You haven’t mention Hejaz stamp ( before Saudi Arabia get united their stamp used from 1865-1916- http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af141/Harthi/9.jpg
    Good Luck

78. Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2012) :
    

    @Harth… Actually Hejaz is there, but with slightly different name /spelling (Hedsch). The spelling (or use of official names) is one of those areas that I’ve been improving and most of existing errata will be fixed whenever I manage to release the next major version of this inventory.

    As for my kids to carry on the collection… Well, time will tell for that. Right now they seem more interested for the comic book collection I have Years ago I made a decision not to ‘push’ stamp collecting on their face. If they get interested of it by themselves – that’s fine. If not- that’s fine too. In similar fashion I will not put them any pressure to carry on with my business/profession with software development. It’s their life, they may do whatever they wish as long as their happy and have a good one.

79. Fred Muguruza wrote (on January 26, 2012) :
    

    Keijo!…you never end to amaze me!!!…ole!

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