Stamp Investment Tip: Philippines 1984 Summer Olympics Issue

In 1984, the Philippines issued a set of six colorful stamps and a souvenir sheet in celebration of the Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles (Scott # 1699-1704, 1705). 20,000 sets and 15,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices them unused at $18.00 and $15.00, respectively. Imperforate versions of the set and souvenir sheet were also issued, in quantities of 3,000 and 5,000. These are noted by Scott, which prices them at $100.00 and $50.00. The Philippines has produced imperforate versions of popular sets every now and then, and while it is certainly true that such were issued mainly to appeal to collectors and were not intended to serve as postage, they're issuance quantities are much lower than those of the regular stamps, and they are therefore worthy of consideration.

From the perspective of philatelic history, the Philippines is interesting because it has issued stamps under Spanish dominion, U.S. Administration, Japanese Occupation, and as an independent nation. It is also compelling as an area of research for the philatelic investor, because of its rapid economic growth, and because it has issued a number of scarce yet overlooked issues, including some modern popular topical sets, such as the Sports/Olympics topical issue featured in this article.

As a newly democratic and newly industrialized country of 92 million which is moving away from from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines could turn out to be one of the most successful emerging markets in the Pacific Region. The government tends toward fiscal conservatism coupled with long-term economic planning, and annual GDP growth has been around 6%-7%. Barring extreme political instability, it is likely that the Philippines will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next decades.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for the Philippines, and it includes the set and souvenir sheet recommended in this article. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.