Where To Start ?

I am planning to return to stamp collecting after 30+ years away. I have a large collection compiled by both myself and my father over a 60 year period. I want to first catalog what I have and was wondering what is available in the way of software/data base programs that can assist in the catalog process. My inventory is 95% US mint, singles and plate blocks with a few hundred mint sheets and covers as well.

Thanks for the help.

In this case, I suggest you buy a U.S. Scott Specialized two or three years old and simply check off what you have, M=mint, U=used, C=cover, plus plenty of room for additional notes, and easy to update.

Otherwise, unless you want images, Excel works like a charm. I have over a dozen countries keyed into Excel. Plus, copied to disk, it makes a convenient inventory for insurance purposes. Nothing to learn.

Thanks Doug. I have an older set of US Scott books but I am looking for a populated database that preferably includes images, that I can record my holdings in the computer file. I don't have the patience to manually enter all the individual stamp info.

Hi chinorider,

Although you have already determined that Excel is not the way to go, I do want to make a correction to doug2222 statement that Excel will not handle images. It does!

Also, you can place your scans/photos on Photobucket and place the hyperlink in your Excel file. That way your file is not too large (with thousands of scans/photos) and you have access wherever you have an internet link. This procedure is also good to share the scans, especially if you later want to sell them or place them on your own website.

- stamporator -

Here's an ad from The (2012) Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps which appears to be what you are looking for. Although it illustrates Canadian stamps in the ad, it also covers USA and UN stamps.
At $100.00, its much superior to creating your own database based on time consumption alone.
Requires Windows XP, Vista or Win 7 (all versions), 32 & 64 bit, CD/DVD Reader.
Hard to read perhaps, but the website is http://www.ezstamp.com.

A slight correction; I didn't say that Excel wouldn't handle images, it's just that ANY large amount of images inserted ANYWHERE is a time-consuming nuisance, in my opinion, especially when you have the stamps in front of you, plus another set of images in the catalog. It's just that I prefer to spend my time collecting, not record-keeping. On the other hand, the Stamp Police aren't going to bust your door down and haul you away for pursuing your own most enlightened interests.

It looks like EZ stamp has what I am looking for. Thanks. I have downloaded the free trial version and it looks fine.