Stamp Investment Tip: Brazil 1934 National Philatelic Exposition (Scott #B1-4)

In 1934, Brazil issued a set of semi-postals for the National Philatelic Exposition (Scott #B1-4). Each stamp within the set sold for 100 reis over its face value, and the surtax helped defray the expenses of the exhibition. 50,040 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $18.50 .

  As the stamps picture the designs of the "small bull's eye" issue of ninety years earlier, they have additional appeal as "Stamp on Stamp" topicals.

This is a very inexpensive set, considering Brazil's population and prospects for economic growth over the coming decades.

With 191 million people, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and the world's eighth largest. Political and economic reforms have given the country a brighter future than it had in the bad old days of oligarchical dictatorship. The Brazilian economy is diverse, the country is aggressively investing in its future by generously funding technological research and education, and exports are booming. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 5% over the last 5 years.

There are a number of undervalued Brazilian issues with printing quantities of 10,000 to 100,000, some of which have topical appeal, and recommending them for accumulation seems a no-brainer. Brazil looks destined to become an economic superpower, and even if it mirrors the philatelically anemic U.S. and only one out of a thousand Brazilians become serious stamp collectors, they'll be competing for their nation's better stamps, only to find that the cupboard is bare.

 "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Brazil. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep up with the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Portuguese India 1952 Stamp Exhibition strip (Scott 520-21,523a)

   Both the Portuguese and the French held some territory in India, while the British dominated the rest of it. Both of the lesser colonial powers in India issued stamps which are, for the most part, neglected by Indian collectors, and which have potential multiple market appeal in India, their home countries, and among collectors of European colonies. Interestingly, the Portuguese held out the longest of the three, and issued stamps for their colony until India seized it in 1961, ending the occupation. It's not the only time that obsolescent imperial visions of grandeur have benefited philatelists.

   In 1952, Portuguese India issued two souvenir sheets and a strip of two + label to celebrate its first stamp exhibition (Scott #522-23, 523a). The souvenir sheets picture St. Francis Xavier and his tomb, while the strip contains a one stamp picturing the saint and another picturing Portuguese India's first stamp. 30,000 of each were issued and Scott '14 prices the sheets and the strip unused at $29.00 and $25.00 respectively.

   These items have additional market appeal among collectors of India, Portuguese Colonies, and collectors of Religion and Stamp-on-Stamp topicals.

   Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.   

Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1956 Stamp Centenary Souvenir Sheet (Scott #653a)

   In 1956, Argentina issued a souvenir sheet celebrating the centenary of its postage stamps (Scott #653a). 100,000 were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused sheet at $9.00.

   The sheet has additional appeal as a Stamp-on-Stamp topical.

I continue to favor all better stamps of Latin America as bets on the growth of the region's middle class. As collectors often focus on Latin America as a whole, demand for the stamps of the individual countries is supplemented by the the more general regional focus.

With a population of about 40 million, Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Historically, Argentina's economic performance has been uneven, as periods of high economic growth have alternated with severe downturns. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has averaged an impressive 6.5%. However, over the last 20 years Argentina has weathered several major debt crises and recessions.

 "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Argentina. 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: Macao 1984 Postage Stamp Centenary Souvenir Sheet (Scott #488a)

  In 1984, Macao issued a souvenir sheet celebrating the centenary of its postage stamps (Scott #488a). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $40.-.

   The souvenir sheet appeals to Stamp-on-stamp topicalists.

In my opinion, all of the better stamps of the European and other foreign Colonies/Possessions in China should be considered for investment, as they have dual markets both in their former home countries and in China.

In 1999, Macao became a special administrative district of the People's Republic of China. With a population of about 500,000, Macao's economy is dependent upon tourism, much of it geared toward gambling, although important secondary sectors include apparel manufacturing and financial services. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging over 9% over the last 7 years. The fact that much of Macao's economic growth has been driven by a regional monopoly on gaming is a little worrisome, because obviously there is no guarantee that the People's Republic won't relax restrictions on gambling in the rest of China, allowing more competition. Nevertheless, I feel that certain scarce issues of this former colony are grossly undervalued, given the number of collectors who will be bidding for them.

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: Vatican 1952 Papal States 1st Stamp Centennial Souvenir Sheet (Scott #155a)

In 1952, the Vatican issued a stamp and souvenir sheet celebrating the centennial of the first stamp of the Papal States (Scott # 155, 155a). While the stamp is relatively common, only 102,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $140.00. The Papal States (or Roman States) issued stamps from 1852-68, and were among several Italian States which issued stamps prior to the unification of Italy.

The sheet has multiple market appeal among collectors of Vatican, Italy and Area, Transportation, and Stamp-on-stamp topicals. Also, better Vatican items in general should do well as the number of Catholic stamp collectors increases worldwide, especially since many live in emerging market countries.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Romania 1958 Postage Stamp Centenary (Scott #C57)

In 1958, Romania issued a souvenir sheet commemorating the centenary of its first postage stamps (Scott #C57). 30,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $ 35.00 .

The added appeal to Stamp-on-Stamp topicalists should help to bolster the value of this souvenir sheet.


A nation of 22 million people with a GDP per capita of $ 12,285.- (about 46% of the EU average), Romania is considered an upper-middle income country. Romania's main exports are clothing and textiles, industrial machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, metallurgic products, raw materials, cars, military equipment, software, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and agricultural products. Though the economy has been hit recently by the global financial crisis, GDP growth has averaged about 3.8% over the last ten years.

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: Luxembourg 1952 Postage Stamp Centenary (Scott #C16-20)

In 1952, Luxembourg issued a set of five airmails commemorating the centenary of its postage stamps (Scott #C16-20). 37,416 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $55.30 ($100.00 for NH).

Stamps-on-stamps topicals are very popular worldwide, and although Luxembourg is a small country, its stamps are widely collected, especially in the Benelux countries.

A nation of about a half a million people, Luxembourg has a highly developed economy, with the world's second highest GDP per capita. Its stable, high-income economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, which was dominated until the 1960s by steel, has diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. During the past decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking and other financial exports, account for the majority of economic output. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.3% over the last 5 years, despite a major recent contraction due to the global financial crisis.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Egypt 1946 Postage Stamp Anniversary Souvenir Sheets (Scott #B6a-6b)

In 1946, Egypt celebrated the 80th Anniversary of its first postage stamp, by issuing a set of four stamps (Scott #B3-6) and two souvenir sheets, in perf. and imperf. form (Scott #B6a-6b). While the basic set is common, only 7,196 of the two souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices them unused at $70.00.

I recommend purchase of all better stamps from Egypt, as the country is likely to experience rapid economic growth over the coming decades. Aside from these sheets' low printing, the 1m + 1m value pictures Egypt's first stamp, and is therefore of interest as a Stamps-on-Stamps topical.


With an estimated 76 million people, Egypt possesses one of the most developed economies in the Mid-East, with a GDP growth rate of 5%-7%. Hopefully, its new government will continue the policy of undertaking major economic reforms to further spur development, including massive investments in infrastructure and liberalizing economic and tax policies to encourage foreign investment. Egypt's main challenge in the years to come will be one of social and political democratization - how to assure that enough of the new wealth trickles down to the majority of the population to lessen the problems of poverty and political instability.

Stamp Investment Tips: Philippines Stamp Exhibition Issues

The Philippines issued several sets and souvenir sheets at stamp exhibitions in the 1970s and '80s, and I am particularly interested in the three issues which featured "Stamps on Stamps" - AUSIPEX '84, and AMPHILEX '77 and ESPAMER '77 (both airmails). These popular topicals pictured the first issues of the Philippines, Australia, the Netherlands, and Spain and had low printings (especially the imperforate versions of the sheets, which are noted in Scott).


As a newly democratic and newly industrialized country of 92 million which is transitioning from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines may 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%.

Given their scarcity, inexpensiveness, and topical appeal, I believe that these issues represent low-risk/high reward investments which should do well as this emerging market economy develops. Their quantities issued and Scott '10 Catalog Values are listed below:

AUSIPEX '84:

Set: Sc. #1709-09 (20,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 7.00
S/S: Sc. #1710 (15,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 30.00
Imperf. s/s: Sc. #1710Note (10,000 issued); No CV given by Scott

AMPHILEX '77:

S/S: Sc. #C109 (30,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 10.00
Imperf. s/s: Sc. #C109Note (7,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 20.00

ESPAMER '77:

S/S: Sc. #C110 (20,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 10.00
Imperf. s/s: Sc.#C110Note (7,000 issued); Sc. '10 CV=$ 18.00

Stamp Investment Tip: Brazil BRAPEX Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C53)

In 1943, Brazil celebrated the centennial of its first postage stamps by issuing a "Stamps-on-Stamps" topical souvenir sheet (Scott #C53) at the BRAPEX Philatelic Exhibition. Brazil was the second country (after Great Britain) to issue postage stamps , and the designs pictured on the souvenir sheet somewhat resemble the Brazilian "Bull's Eyes" issued in 1843. 20,100 sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 50.00 for unused.


With 191 million people, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and the world's eighth largest economy. Political and economic reforms have given the country a brighter future than it had in the bad old days of oligarchical dictatorship. The Brazilian economy is diverse, the country is aggressively investing in its future by generously funding technological research and education, and exports are booming. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 5% over the last 5 years.


There are a number of grossly undervalued Brazilian issues with printing quantities of 10,000 to 100,000, some of which have topical appeal, and recommending them for accumulation seems a no-brainer. Brazil looks destined to become an economic superpower, and even if it mirrors the philatelically anemic U.S. and only one out of a thousand Brazilians become serious stamp collectors and one out of a fifty become "unserious" ones, they'll be competing for their nation's better stamps, only to find that the cupboard is bare.

Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1935 Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet (Scott #452)

In 1935, Argentina issued a souvenir sheet (Scott #452), reproducing the San Martin design of 1923-24, at the Buenos Aires Philatelic Exhibition. 14,579 of these "stamp on stamp" topical souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 75.00 unused and $ 35.00 used.

With a population of about 40 million, Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Historically, Argentina's economic performance has been uneven, as periods of high economic growth have alternated with severe downturns. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has averaged a whopping 8.5%. However, over the last 20 years Argentina has weathered several major debt crises and recessions.


Regardless of what Argentina's economic see-saw will look like over the next few years, I am convinced that the 1935 Philatelic Exhibition souvenir sheet is undervalued, and a possible target for hoarding and market manipulation. I recommend purchase of it in VF NH, LH, or Used condition. When purchasing unused sheets, avoid those with gum bends, which are common on this issue.

Stamp Investment Tip: Spain 1950 Stamp Centenary Issue (Scott #776-79,C127-30)

In 1950, Spain issued a set of imperforate stamps (Scott #776-79, C127-30) commemorating the Centenary of its first postage stamps. The "Stamp on Stamp" topical pictured the 1850 Isabella II issue, and 41,000 sets were produced. Scott values the unused NH set at $ 575.00 and the used set at $ 376.00.

I favor the scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe. Philately will continue to flourish under such conditions.

I recommend purchase of the set - unused or used. First Day Covers with the complete set are also attractive, as long as the premium over the cost of a plain used set isn't exhorbitant.