Stamp Investment Tip: Peru 1963 Chavin Ceramics Airmail Semi-Postals (Scott #CB1-5)

In 1963, Peru issued a set of five airmail semi-postal stamps picturing ceramic objects found at the excavations of its Chavin culture, an early indigenous civilization (Scott #CB1-5). The additional non-postal surtax helped to fund the excavations. 30,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 5.35.

This currently inexpensive set has appeal as an Art/Archeology topical, and should also do well as Peru continues its economic development. As with all stamps of Latin America, demand is bolstered by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region as a whole.

With a population of 29 million, Peru is an emerging market nation which has experienced significant economic growth over the last 15 years, and annual GDP growth averaging 7.2% over the last 5. Major exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, and fish meal. In 2010 Peru's per capita income is about $10,000. Poverty has steadily decreased since 2004, when nearly half the country's population was under the poverty line, although great inequities in income distribution persist. As the trend continues and more Peruvians join the middle class, the country's better stamps should do very well.

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 posted a buy list for the Peru, and it includes the set 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Bolivia 1960 Gate of the Sun set

In 1960, Bolivia issued a beautiful set of stamps featuring various prehistoric gods and ornaments from the Tiahuanacu excavations (Scott # 433-50). Printed on a gold background, the "Gate of the Sun" set was initially intended for dual use, with some of the high values to be issued as airmails, but the overprints failed to include the word "Aereo." Only 6,500 sets were issued.

The set is one of many examples of Latin American sets with very low printing quantities and an increasing collector base, which are therefore grossly undervalued. Not only will it benefit from economic growth and a growing middle class in Bolivia, but it's the kind of issue over which Art topical collectors drool.

This issue tends to have mediocre centering. When purchasing a set, make sure that all of the values are centered Fine or better, especially the key 4000b on 4b Gray (Scott #449).