Skip to content

Collection notes

All guides

Browse the collections in the menu to see all guides.Choosing a focus for your first coin collectionReading the obverse, reverse and edgePhotographing a coin without hiding its surfaceComparing coin capsules by diameter and depthWhen a coin tray makes senseHandling a coin during inspectionWhy not to polish a coin before selling itRecording dates and mint marksReviewing a mixed coin lot before buyingDescribing wear on circulated coinsChecking banknote sleeve measurementsStoring banknotes without folding themOrganising banknote serial-number recordsOrganising a collection by country or themeQuestions about a presentation caseKeeping certificates with the right coinChoosing a loupe for small detailsUsing a scale without treating weight as authenticationKeeping replicas separate from originalsOrganising duplicates for exchangeChoosing a coin album with suitable openingsDescribing spots and colour changesPreparing coins for a specialist assessmentTaking stock of an inherited coin collectionStamp album or stockbook for a beginnerChoosing stamp tongsInspecting stamp perforations without damageSeparating used and unused stampsStoring complete covers without trimmingRecording clear and incomplete postmarksBuying a stamp lot with useful photographsOrganising topical stamps while retaining provenanceSleeves for postcards of different sizesDescribing a written and posted postcardFiling postcards by place and dateInspecting corners and folds in paper collectiblesDistinguishing a reproduction postcard from an older printStoring tickets and small paper keepsakesScanning documents without forcing the originalOrganising family photographs as a collectionWhen to use archival boxes for paperRecording information without writing on the objectAssessing old adhesive photograph albumsStoring posters rolled or flatPreparing fragile paper for a conservation enquiryMaintaining an inventory of related documentsMeasuring comics before buying bagsChoosing comic boxes you can liftIdentifying an edition from publication detailsDescribing a comic spineStoring comics without compressionAssessing an incomplete comic runCataloguing variant covers without duplicate recordsPreparing comics for listing photographsChoosing card sleeves by actual dimensionsComparing fixed-page and removable-page card bindersChecking the fit of a rigid card holderInspecting card corners, edges and surfacePhotographing glossy cards with controlled reflectionsOrganising a missing-card checklistSeparating playing cards from collection copiesReviewing encapsulated cards before purchaseKeeping documentation for a signed itemPreparing a card exchange by postOrganising small collections without excess accessoriesWhat to check in a comic display standUnderstanding model scale and actual sizeInspecting small parts on a model carComparing boxed and unboxed modelsMeasuring a model car for a display casePhotographing the underside of a modelDocumenting repairs to collectible toysStoring detached accessories without losing themChoosing stands for figures with uneven basesInspecting joints without forcing themProtecting toy boxes without hiding their conditionOrganising models by scale on shelvesComparing catalogue images with item photographsMaking a component list for an older gameStoring game boards and components separatelyQuestions before buying a collectible model trainChecking battery compartments in older toysDistinguishing restoration from an untouched itemDisplaying miniatures away from direct sunlightChoosing a toy collection for limited spacePacking a model with projecting partsKeeping model instructions and labelsCataloguing figures when the maker is uncertainChecking display cabinets before filling themPlanning a temporary display at homeCreating a collection record you can maintainChoosing an object numbering systemLinking photographs and records without version confusionChoosing boxes by internal dimensionsWhat to ask about archival materialsPlanning shelves around weight and accessTracking humidity changes in a storage areaSeparating incompatible materials in a mixed collectionPreparing a table for examining objectsReducing dust inside a display caseLighting a collection without continuous exposureKeeping purchase and provenance recordsBacking up a collection inventoryPlanning an annual storage reviewSeparating an object showing deteriorationPreparing a collection for a house moveChoosing dividers without squeezing objectsRecording dimensions of irregular objectsKeeping packaging without using every spare spaceMaking readable box labelsPreparing information for a conservatorCreating a personal loan recordOrganising a collection shared by several peopleWriting a listing that describes the actual itemChoosing photographs that show defects clearlyPreparing questions for a sellerComparing completed sales with asking pricesWorking out total cost before buyingAssessing a lot when not every item is visibleDocumenting condition when a parcel arrivesPreparing for an in-person handoverKeeping messages and transaction agreementsRecognising missing evidence in a listingChoosing an outer shipping box for collectiblesPreventing movement inside a parcelPreparing several items for one shipmentDescribing a collection without claiming completenessDeciding between individual sales and lotsPreparing an inventory for an auction houseChecking return terms before payingBuilding a prioritised collecting wish listClosing a sale while preserving the object recordAssessing a purchase that does not fit the collectionPlanning a collecting fair budgetChoosing gifts for a collectorRecording uncertainties before seeking a second opinionBuying storage supplies in appropriate quantitiesOrganising a collection received without an inventoryPlanning how objects leave a collection