Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1956 3rd Inauguration of Syngman Rhee Presentation Sheets (Michel Block 98-99, Scott #228Note)

  From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely produced sheets were issued  in very low quantities and given to dignitaries, including friends of the President, as the country was not completely devoid of cronyism. The Michel catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel, and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth. Despite the fact that Scott only notes Korean presentation sheets generally and doesn't list them individually, thereby implicitly questioning their legitimacy, they're so scarce and their potential market so large that they represent interesting and low-risk investments.


   In 1955, South Korea issued a set of two presentation sheets celebrating the President Syngman Rhee's 3rd Inauguration (Michel Block 98-99). 1,000 sets were issued, and Michel prices the set at 700.- Euros (about $ 950.-). I recommend purchase of the set if it offered at around $95.- to $190.- (about 10%-20% of Michel CV).

  A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

  Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.   

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1955 Reconstruction Presentation Sheets (Michel Block 78-80, Scott 212Note))

   From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely produced sheets were issued  in very low quantities and given to dignitaries, including friends of the President, as the country was not completely devoid of cronyism. The Michel catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel, and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

   In 1955, South Korea issued a set of three presentation sheets picturing symbols of industrial reconstruction (Michel Block 78-80, Scott 212Note). 1,000 sets were issued, and Michel prices it at 1,140.- Euros (about $ 1,500.-). I recommend purchase of the set if it offered at around $150 to $300 (10%-20% of Michel CV).

  A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

    Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1955 10th Anniv. of Independence Presentation Sheets (Michel Block 85-86, Scott 219Note.)

From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely produced sheets were issued  in very low quantities and given to dignitaries, including friends of the President, as the country was not completely devoid of cronyism. The Michel catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel, and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

   In 1955, South Korea issued a set of two presentation sheets celebrating the nation's 10th Anniversary of Independence (Michel Block 85-86, Scott 219Note). 1,000 sets were issued, and Michel prices the set at at 900.- Euros (about $ 1,220.-). I recommend purchase of the set if it offered at around $120.- to $240.- (about 10%-20% of Michel CV).

  A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.
 

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1955 Syngman Rhee 80th Birthday Presentation Sheet (Michel Block 84, Scott 217Note))

   From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely produced sheets were issued  in very low quantities and given to dignitaries, including friends of  the President, as the country was not completely free of cronyism. The Michel Catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel, and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

   In 1955, South Korea issued presentation sheet celebrating President Syngman Rhee's 80th Birthday (Michel Block 84, Scott 217Note). 1,000 sheets were issued, and Michel prices it at 450.- Euros (about $ 610.-). I recommend purchasing it if offered at around $60.- to $120.- (about 10%-20% of Michel CV).

  A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 3.5% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

   Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.     

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1957 15h Christmas Souvenir Sheets (Scott #265a-67a)

  In 1957, South Korea issued a rather boring set of stamps celebrating Christmas, and picturing the Star of Bethlehem and a pine cone (Scott #265-67). In addition, it also issued three souvenir sheets duplicating the stamp designs (Scott #265a-67a). Only 2,000 of each souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the set of unused sheets at $1,800 ($3,000.- for NH)  .

  I recommend purchase of these souvenir sheets, as they should do well based on the growth in popularity of Religion/Christianity topicals, as well as interest in stamps of Korea.


South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Information concerning printing quantities of stamps is often useful in determining which may turn out to be good investments. The StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List (SSSSQIL) currently includes over 9,700 listings of stamps and souvenir sheets with issuance quantities of 100,000 or less.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1958 UNESCO Souvenir Sheet (Scott #286a)

In 1958, South Korea issued a souvenir sheet honoring UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Scott #286a). Only 5,000 of this rather bland sheet were issued, and Scott '12 prices it unused at $210.00.

I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Information concerning printing quantities of stamps is often useful in determining which may turn out to be good investments. The StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List (SSSSQIL) currently includes over 9,700 listings of stamps and souvenir sheets with issuance quantities of 100,000 or less.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1955 UN 10th Anniversary Presentation Sheets (Scott #222var.)

In 1955, the United Nations celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and many nations issued stamps and souvenir sheets commemorating the event. South Korea issued a set of two stamps (Scott #221-22), which are relatively common, but it also issued a set of two presentation sheets (Scott #222Note), of which only 1,000 were issued. Many stamps of South Korea from the '50s were issued along with these accompanying presentation sheets, which were given to dignitaries. Scott does not recognize most of them, but they are listed in Michel and in the Korean Postage Stamp Catalog, which prices them at 960,000 won, or about $850.-.

Because they are usually not listed by Scott, Korean presentation sheets, of which a 300 to 1,000 were produced, can often be bought at U.S. auctions for 25% - 35% of their Michel or KPSC values. Whether or not they remain at low levels will depend upon whether they are widely accepted by Korean collectors. In the meantime, I believe that the most prudent strategy for speculating on them would be to focus on those feature popular topics, such as the U.N..

I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1948 Pres. Syngman Rhee (Scott #90)

In 1948, Syngman Rhee was elected the first president of South Korea, and his inauguration was celebrated with the issuance of a stamp (Scott #90). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 values the unused stamp at $150.- ($300 for NH) . Many of the stamps were used and probably discarded, so it is likely that fewer than 10,000 remain in unused condition.

Many of the early stamps of South Korea were rather primitively produced, and mediocre centering, rough perfs, and gloppy gum are normal for these issues. Not many Koreans were collecting stamps in the late '40s and early '50s, and many of the stamps that were collected unused were probably purchased by U.S. and allied soldiers during the Korean War. The stamps have increased in value over the last few years as the market has developed within the country, and I expect that they will continue to do so.

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1948 Election (Scott #80-84)

In 1948, South Korea held its first election, commemorating the event with the issuance of a set of five stamps (Scott #80-84). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 values the unused set at $83.00 ($175.- for NH).

Many of the early stamps of South Korea were rather primitively produced, and mediocre centering, rough perfs, and gloppy gum are normal for these issues. Not many Koreans were collecting stamps in the late '40s and early '50s, and many that were collected unused were probably purchased by U.S. and allied soldiers during the Korean War. The stamps have increased in value over the decades as South Korea has prospered, and I expect that they will continue to do well.

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1957 Boy Scout Souvenir Sheet (Mi. Block #109)

In 1957, South Korea issued a set of stamps (Scott #245-46) and imperforate souvenir sheet (Michel Block #109) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts. While the set is relatively common (200,000 issued), only 1,000 of the souvenir sheets were issued, and Michel '06 values it at 4,200.- Euros for unused (Scott does not list the sheet). Michel does not issue a catalog for Asia every year, and its 2006 edition is its most recent. While the catalog value may seem high, it is sometimes possible to purchase the better, Michel-listed souvenir sheets of South Korea in VF NH condition for 30%-50% of catalog at auction.


I'm attracted to this scarce souvenir sheet both because it is an undervalued item from South Korea and because it is a Scouting Topical. I've tipped a number of better Scouting Topicals in the past, because the market for Scouting-related collectibles (including stamps) is similar to that of a mid-sized country. In 2007, Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides numbered 38 million members (of which 25 million were Boy Scouts) in 216 countries worldwide. Furthermore, the Boy Scouts actively promote the hobby among their members with a Stamp Collecting merit badge (pictured).

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

South Korea 1951-52 Participating Countries' Flags Issue (Scott #132-73)

In 1951 and '52, Korea issued a set of stamps honoring the countries which fought for it in the Korean War (Scott #132-73). Each stamp pictured the participating country's flag, the Statue of Liberty, and the flag of the Republic of Korea. 7,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set at $ 351.00 ($ 600.00 for NH). In addition, 2,000 sets of twenty-two imperforate souvenir sheets (Scott #173Note; Michel Block #27-48; Scott '10 Catalog Value of $ 800.00) containing the green and blue stamps for each participating country were also issued.


I view both sets as prime targets for philatelic investors who wish to profit from South Korea's future economic growth, and the probable substantial increase in the number of Korean stamp collectors over the next few decades due to its rapidly aging population. Despite the impact of the recent global financial crisis, I believe that Korea will return to 4%-6% GDP annual growth over the next few years. Should re-unification with the North occur within the next decade or two, it will provide an additional economic shot in the arm, in the form of a youthful labor force and a vastly expanded natural resource base.


Many of the stamps of the South Korea's first ten years are quite scarce, and I intend to tip some of them in the future. It should be noted that most from the first five years were produced rather primitively, and rough perforations and uneven gum are normal for these issues.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1948 Olympic Issue (Scott #85-86)

In 1948, South Korea issued a pair of stamps commemorating its participation in the 1948 Olympics (Scott #85-86). 100,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set at $ 80.00 unused ($ for 175.00NH).

The set has appeal both as a scarce issue from a rapidly developing "Asian Tiger" nation, and as a Sports/Olympics topical.