Stamp Investment Tip: Mozambique 1951 Fish Issue (Scott #332-55)

In 1951, Mozambique, then a Portuguese colony, issued a beautiful Fish set (Scott #332-55). Quantities were not recorded for this issue, but were probably 30,000 or fewer. Scott '10 values the unused set at $ 120.85.


The set is popular among Animals Topicalists as well as Portuguese Colonies collectors. The potential for a third significant market exists should a significant middle class develop as a demographic base for stamp collectors in Mozambique.


With about 23 million people, Mozambique was described as a "paradox" in a 2007 economic report by the World Bank, combining a "blistering pace of economic growth" (about 7%-8% ) with massive poverty and rising child malnutrition. Improvements in infrastructure, especially related to agriculture, are needed; 75% of the population engage in small-scale agriculture, although over 88% of the arable land in the country is uncultivated. Also, Mozambique has valuable titanium reserves, which could economically uplift the country if exploited effectively. Obviously, there is a necessity for reforms which will allow a greater portion of the wealth to trickle down to the majority of the population.