Stamp Investment Tip: French Southern and Antarctic Territories 1968 Space Exploration (Scott #C16a)

   Of the seven countries which claim territories in the Antarctic, four issue  stamps for them. They are: Great Britain (British Antarctic Territory), Australia (Australian Antarctic Territory), New Zealand (the Ross Dependency), and France (the French Southern and Antarctic Territories). Of these, the French territory, also known as French Antarctic is of most interest to philatelists, because most of the F.S.A.T. stamps were issued in modest quantities and many are beautifully engraved. Most stamps issued for the various Antarctic territories are sold to collectors, as only a few hundred scientists reside in research facilities there.

In 1968, the F.S.A.T. issued a set of two stamps honoring France's Dragon Rockets (Scott #C15-16), which should be bought as a triptych (Scott #C16a). 45,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused triptych at $40.- .

Demand for stamps of the French Antarctic is strong in France and among collectors of French Colonies/Area and Polar Topicals worldwide, and the triptych  has obvious appeal as a Space Exploration and Transportation topical. 

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum for discussing stamp auctions, and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Qatar 1965 ITU Souvenir Sheet (Scott #68a)

 In 1965, Qatar issued a set and souvenir sheet picturing satellites and celebrating the centenary of the International Telecommunication Union (Scott #61-68,68a). 100,000 sets and 10,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices them unused at  $ 35.75 and 40.00, respectively.

   The issue has dual market appeal to collectors of Qatar and Space Topicals.

With a population of 1.4 million, Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last five years, with annual GDP growth averaging 9%. The country has 15 billion barrels of oil reserves and natural gas reserves estimated at between 80 trillion to 800 trillion cubic feet - enough energy reserves to make every Qatari a centimillionaire or billionaire. Gilding the gilded lily, Qatar is also funding the development of a "knowledge economy," establishing the Qatar Science and Technology Park and Education City. It has also established Doha Sports City, and plans to build an "entertainment city" in the future, in case Qataris become bored with their other leisure activities, such as collecting stamps.

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Kazakhstan 1994 Space Shuttle Souvenir Sheet (Scott #56)

  In 1994, Kazakhstan issued a souvenir sheet honoring the Russian Space Shuttle and Kazakh cosmonaut Toktar Ongarbayuly Aubakirov (Scott #56). 40,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $3.50 .

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as a Space Exploration topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Kazakhstan and the development of a stamp market there. This recommendation is consistent with my belief that one of the best ways to play the new and newly resurrected countries of Europe and Asia is to focus on popular topicals with low printings.

A nation of 16 million, Kazakhstan is known to many outsiders from the somewhat demeaning film comedy "Borat." It is the 9th largest country in the world, with a territory greater than that of Western Europe, although its population density is less than 15 per square mile. Kazakhstan has plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, iron, and gold. It also has a major agricultural sector, and is the seventh largest producer of grain. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 5% over the last 5 years.

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

Stamp Investment Tip: French Southern and Antarctic Territories 1967 20fr Rocket (Scott #29)

Four countries claim territory in the Antarctic and issue stamps for their territories. They are Australia (Australian Antarctic Territory), Great Britain (British Antarctic Territory), New Zealand (the Ross Dependency), and France (the French Southern and Antarctic Territories). Of these, the French territory, also known as French Antarctic and abbreviated as F.S.A.T. or T.A.A.F., is of most interest to philatelists, because most of the F.S.A.T. stamps were issued in modest quantities and many are beautifully engraved. Most stamps issued for the various Antarctic territories are sold to collectors, as only a few hundred scientists reside in research facilities in the Antarctic.

In 1967, the F.S.A.T. issued an attractive 20fr stamp in honor of the launching of the first space rocket from Adelie Land (Scott #29). 60,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused stamp at $26.00.

Demand for stamps of the French Antarctic is strong in France and among collectors of French Colonies/Area, and the Rocket stamp has the added appeal of being a Space topical. Despite its beauty and topical appeal, it has lagged behind some of the territory's other early issues with comparable printing quantities, some of which sell for 5 to 10 times as much.