As a help to new collectors, you may find this section of our website useful to try and explain all the different types of albums, accessories and associated items that are on offer to the collector.

Stamp collecting

Stamp hinges
Still very popular the traditional stamp hinge should only be affixed to used stamps. Lightly moisten the smaller part of the folded hinge affixing it to the centre of the back of the stamp then moisten the larger section and affix it to your album page. Hinges can be carefully removed from the stamp.

Stamp mounts
Developed several years ago, stamp mounts are available in standard top opening, or Gard back opening. Made from pure polystyrol they offer archival quality protection forthe stamp. Stamp mounts are available in ready-cut sizes to fit most popular stamps or in strips which you can cut to size, these strips are available in sizes from 21mm up to A4 size 297mm x 210mm. Generally Stamp mount sizes are listed for the corresponding stamp size, for example if you have a 24mm high Machin stamp you will need a pack of 24mm mounts. Once you have established the correct size mount to use, to affix your mount simply lightly moisten part of the mount and affix it to your album page (avoid over moistening the mount). Cutters and guillotines are available to trim your stamp mount strips to size

Stockbooks
These are a very popular method for storing stamps, available in various sizes but by far the most popular is the A4 size, available in various thicknesses from 8 page 16 side or to the larger 32 page 64 side. Available with white or black pages.

Stock sheets
Again a very popular system for storing and displaying stamps, stock sheets are a loose leaf alternative to a stockbook. Stock sheets are available in numerous page formats and sizes, from single strip pages for larger items, through to 8 strip pages for small definitive size stamps. Stock sheets are available in single sided or double sided and black backed or clear backed.
Prinz System stock pages are made with a card backing, while the Prinz Profil and Lindner Uniplate pages are made with PVC backing and have pockets rather than the strips that the Prinz System pages have.

Printed country albums
These are the Rolls Royce of stamp albums, printed stamp album pages showing images of the stamp with stamp mounts already affixed to the page. Most popular countries are covered by this system, and annual album updates are available each year to keep your modern collection up to date.

Magnifiers
When buying a magnifier you should consider what you will be using it for. Traditional handheld magnifiers, usually have a magnification of up to 6x or 8x and allow you to view enlarged sections of your stamps, if you need to see really fine details on the stamp such as engraving errors, then you will need a static magnifier or even a microscope, that you lay on top of the item you are viewing, these can range from 10x up to 30x and 60x allowing you to see the finest details.

Tweezers
You should avoid handling stamps, especially mint stamps, with your hands. A simple set of tweezers can allow you to pick up and examine your stamps with ease, without damaging the stamp. A wide selection of sizes and styles allow you to choose a set that is comfortable for you to use.

Advanced testing of stamps
A range of ultra violet test lamps is available to test the coatings and phosphor bands on stamps, electronic gauges to measure the perforation of stamps, and machines to test for watermarks, the collector now has a range of equipment for almost every eventuality.


Coin collecting

Coin storage and coin care
It is, of course, extremely important to protect your coins from harmful effects, such as dirt and dust that can cause the appearance of the coin to alter.

Coin boxes
Offering a suitable solution for protecting, storing and displaying coins, is something that Lindner in Germany have spent many years developing. The Lindner coin box system evolved to become the leading coin storage solution in the world, if you walk past a coin dealer or collectors shop, there is a very strong chance that the coins on display will be in a Lindner coin box. The coin tray is available in numerous formats for small coins to large medallions, and are available in standard (clear glass effect) or smoked glass effect. Both styles are produced from materials that offer archival qualities for your coins offering you a simple yet very effect solution for protecting your coins. The coin trays are also stackable, allowing you to maximise your storage space.

Not every collector wants to use this type of storage system, and there is a range of albums, coin holders, and individual cases that offer similar quality.

Coin albums
Offering storage and protection coin albums are an alternative solution. Coins slide into pockets into clear pages, allowing you to view both sides of the coin, further enhancements include card coin holders which are available in numerous sizes, which fit into coin album pages, or even coin boxes.

Cleaning coins
Coin cleaning using fluids and dips will help protect your coins, by removing dirt and grime, particularly if they have been found in the ground! Coin cleaning machines used in conjunction with special cleaning fluids enhance the properties of the cleaning fluids by gently vibrating the coins.

You should of course take extreme care when cleaning coins.

There are a wide range of publications available for the coin collector to help identify coins, values and to give the collector more information.

We are more than happy to answer any questions you have with regard to albums and accessories for coin collecting, we also offer a free guide to coin collecting and coin care that you may find useful.