Design Catalog Numbering Schema
1 hourChoose sequential, country-based, or Scott catalog number system for your inventory.
Field context
This workflow is part of 2 niche fields
Complete guide for stamp cataloging system — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Choose sequential, country-based, or Scott catalog number system for your inventory.
Record catalog number, country, issue date, denomination, color, condition, and acquisition data.
Batch-enter stamps in catalog order; attach photos and condition notes for each entry.
Verify every mounted stamp matches catalog entry; flag missing or duplicate entries.
Maintain structured catalog database with catalog numbers, condition, and acquisition records.
Compress stamp scan images for attachment to catalog entries without bloating storage.
Calculate years since issue date and days since acquisition for inventory aging.
Determine stamp age from issue date for cataloging and rarity assessment.
Recommended fields for philatelic inventory.
| Field | Format | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog number | Scott/Gibbons # | Yes |
| Condition | Mint/FU/VF/XF | Yes |
| Acquisition date | YYYY-MM-DD | Yes |
| Purchase price | Currency amount | Recommended |
| Scan filename | INV-0001.jpg | Recommended |
Scan album pages in batches of 20 stamps — faster than individual scans for used material.
Define your condition standards in writing — personal grading drift causes valuation errors.
Catalog data without image backup is incomplete — disk failure loses years of work.