Stamp Investment Tip: Malta 1886 5sh Rose (Scott #14)

In 1886, Malta, then a British colony, issued a 5 shilling Rose stamp picturing Victoria framed within a Maltese Cross (Scott #14). This high value was intended for use on parcels. Only 15,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values the stamp at $ 125.00 for unused, and $ 95.00 for used.


I recommend the stamp in VF NH, LH, and Used condition. It is likely that the vast majority were used on parcels and then discarded.

Stamps of Malta are popular among British Commonwealth collectors. The country itself, with a population of about 400,000, has annual GDP growth of about 3%-4%, and major industries are limestone, tourism, and financial services. Growing secondary sectors include electronics, pharmaceuticals, and film production. The country is investing heavily in education, which bodes well for the future.

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.