One of the most intuitive ways to arrange and store a worldwide stamp collection is to use stock cards (also known as “dealer approval cards”). As I’ve seen a collection with over 20k different stamps organized this way, I can say this method works.

Each set was put nicely in a stock card, details affixed on the back of the card (using Avery sticker). The owner had even build a color coding systems to show series/sets with missing items as well as a set of wooden boxes for storage of cards (instead of buying plastic/card storage boxes).

Personally I use stock cards for temporary storage of items

The good side of this system is of course flexibility. Every set is stored individually, giving endless possibilities for expansion and re-organizing. The downside is that viewing collection as entity is not as easy as with other storage methods.

Stock cards are usually made of sturdy black card. They come in several types (2-6 transparent strips) and sizes (small, medium, large) with or without a transparent protective flap. Medium sized stock cards (with 3 rows) cost approx. 15-20€/100 cards.

According to Michel Online stamp catalogue, there are approx. 158,000 stamp sets issued between 1840-2008. Assuming a single set is stored on a stock card, then the total cost of storing worldwide stamp collection this way would be 23,700€.

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