Stamp Investment Tip: British Honduras 1882-87 Issue (Scott #13-17)

Between 1882 and 1887, British Honduras issued a set of Victoria definitives (Scott #13-17), of which the 6p and 1sh high values are quite scarce. Only 1,200 of each of #16 and #17 were issued. Scott '10 values the complete set unused at $812.50 unused, and the top values at $ 325.00 and $ 300.00, respectively.


The stamps of British Honduras have a potential dual market among both collectors of British Commonwealth in general and British Honduras/Belize in particular, but I believe that for the foreseeable future, most of the demand for its better stamps will come from the Commonwealth collectors.

Belize is a small, developing country of about 320,000 people, with an economy based largely on agriculture, although tourism, construction, and oil production have recently assumed greater importance. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 3.5% over the last 5 years.


If purchasing one of the two high values, attempt to obtain it in the best condition possible, or try buy a slightly defective example with an F-VF or better appearance at a deep discount. It would not surprise me at all if fewer than 200 of each of these stamps remain, in any condition.