Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1861 5d Reddish Brown (Scott #19)

In 1861, Newfoundland issued a 5 pence Reddish Brown stamp picturing the Crown and Heraldic Flowers of the United Kingdom (Scott #19). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott prices it unused at $ 62.50.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland, including the early imperforates, were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and a forum for those who wish to discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Uruguay 1924 Olympics Issue (Scott #282-84)

In 1924, Uruguay issued a set of stamps celebrating the 1924 Paris Olympics (Scott #282-84), and picturing the "Victory of Samothrace," a partially restored Greek statue that is one of the masterpieces of the Louvre. 35,000 sets were issued, and Scott values the unused set at $ 60.00. In addition, 500 sets were issued on yellow ("golden") paper (Scott #282-84Note), to commemorate Uruguay's soccer victories and gold medal won at the Summer Olympics. Many of these special sets were affixed to souvenir folders and given to dignitaries. Scott prices the "yellow paper" set at $ 650.00.

The set is particularly compelling because of its modest printing quantity, its thematic appeal as a combination Olympics/Art Topical, and because of Uruguay's prospects for economic growth. The special "golden" set is also a Soccer Topical. Soccer is now the most popular sport in the world, with billions of fans, many of whom live in emerging market nations.


With a population of about 3 1/2 million people, most of whom are of European or mixed descent, Uruguay has a stamp collecting population which will probably approach European levels in the years to come. Uruguay is one of the most economically developed, politically stable and least corrupt countries in Latin America, and is moving away from its dependence on agricultural exports and toward development of commercial technologies, especially software. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 3% over the last 5 years.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. It includes a buy list for Uruguay, and includes the sets recommended in this article. 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: Ceylon 1857 Victoria Issue (Scott #1-13)

In 1857, Ceylon (then a British colony) issued its first set of stamps, predictably portraits of Queen Victoria (Scott #1-13). The British had established a plantation economy on the island, cultivating tea, cinnamon, rubber, sugar, coffee and indigo, and transforming most of the native population into indentured laborers. Most of the stamps issued during the Colonial period were used by the colonists to send letters and packages back to England. Stamp collecting was in its infancy in 1857, so the vast majority of these stamps were used and discarded.

Many of the stamps of the first issue are quite scarce and yet neglected, especially as used examples. Among the scarcest stamps of this set, there are huge differences between the catalog values of the stamps in unused vs. used condition. It may be that some of the stamps in unused condition are rare to extremely rare, but this doesn't justify undervaluation of sound used examples.

The first set was issued imperforate, while the more common 1861-67 issues (Scott #17-57), many of which have identical colors and designs, were perfed sets. It is prudent to ascertain that stamps purchased as imperforate have reasonably ample margins on all four sides, since stamps of the later sets are known to have been trimmed in order to resemble imperforates.

I've listed the printing quantities (when known), and Scott Catalogue Values for unused and used below:

1857 Issue:

-1p Blue (Scott #1; Unknown; $---- ; $ 260.- )
-6p Plum (Scott #2; 60,000; $ 10,000.-; $ 525.- )
-1p Deep Turquoise (Scott #3; Unknown; $ 825.- ;$ 42.50 )
-2p Deep Green (Scott #4; Unknown; $190.- ;$ 72.50)
-4p Dull Rose (Scott #5; 7,400; $ 75,000.-;$ 5,400.- )
-5p Orange Brown (Scott #6; 90,800; $ 1,750.-; $ 175.-)
-6p Plum (Scott #6A; Unknown; $2,400.- ;$ 160.- )
-6p Brown (Scott #7; Unknown; $ 7,750.-;$ 550.- )
-8p Brown (Scott #8; 6,200; $ 30,000.-; $ 1,750.- )
-9p Lilac Brown (Scott #9; 9,800; $50,000.- ;$ 1,050.- )
-10p Vermilion (Scott #10; 15,500; $950.- ;$ 350.- )
-1sh Violet (Scott #11; 51,100; $ 5,500.- ;$ 240.- )
-1sh9p Green (Scott #12; Unknown; $ 950.- ;$950.-
-1sh9p Yellow Green (Scott #12a; 5,000;$ 5,000.-; $ 3,600.- )
-2sh Blue (Scott #13; 5,720; $ 6,500 ; $ 1,400.- )

The primary market for these stamps is, of course, British Commonwealth collectors. However, I am confident that a sufficient base of stamp collectors will develop in Sri Lanka (as the island republic is now known) to give the values of these stamps an additional boost.

A nation of about 20 million people, Sri Lanka has mostly had strong growth rates in recent years. The main economic sectors of the country are tourism, tea export, apparel, textile, rice production and other agricultural products. In addition to these economic sectors, overseas employment contributes highly in foreign exchange, most of them from the Mid-East.From 1983 to 2009, the country suffered through an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent state named Tamil Eelam in the North and East of the island. On May 19, 2009, the President of Sri Lanka officially claimed an end to the insurgency and the defeat of the LTTE, following the deathsof the LTTE's other leadership. Annual GDP growth has been strong, averaging slightly over 6% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Palestine 1918 1pi Deep Blue (Scott #1)

In November of 1917, the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (E.E.F.) occupied Palestine, formerly a Turkish emirate. Initially, the E.E.F. had given civilians basic postal services for free, with additional services paid with British or Indian stamps. Free mail was withdrawn in February, 1918. with the issuance of the first stamps, including the 1pi Deep Blue (Scott #1), which as valid in Palestine, Cilicia, Syria, Lebanon, and Transjordan. Prior to the British Mandate in Palestine, Hebrew was not an official language, so these stamps bore only Arabic and English inscriptions. 24,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values the stamp at $190.00 for unused, and $105.00 for used. The stamp was issued without gum, which makes preservation easier. Covers are particularly desirable.

Stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate are popular among stamp collectors in Israel and among Jewish collectors throughout the world. Stamps of the British Mandate Period are of particular interest from an investment standpoint, because they also appeal to British Commonwealth collectors. In all likelihood, the vast majority of Palestine #1s were used and discarded, and there remain no more than three to six thousand, in any condition.

Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of economic development. As a technology powerhouse which leads the world in the number of scientists and engineers per capita, it also has the second largest number of start-up companies after the U.S.. Israel's main burden is having to spend much of its GNP on defending itself from some of its more bellicose neighbors. Should peace break out, trade will grow exponentially, and Israel could serve as a model for economic development in the Mid-East and much of the Third World. In that event, the better stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate will increase dramatically.


Those who wish to learn more about stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate should consider purchasing a Bale Catalogue, which classifies and values many items not listed in Scott, including forerunners, errors, varieties, machine-vended stamps, revenues, postal stationery, and booklets.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and a forum for those who wish to discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mexico 1935 Amelia Earhart Goodwill Flight Overprint (Scott #C74)

In 1935, famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart paid a goodwill visit to Mexico City, carrying mail bound for New York City on her return flight to Newark, New Jersey. In honor of her visit, Mexico issued an airmail stamp for mail carried on the return flight (Scott #C74) , by overprinting its 1934-35 20c Lake "Eagle Man" airmail (Scott #C68a). 780 stamps were overprinted, of which 480 were additionally overprinted "Muestra" ("Specimen") and sent to the Universal Postal Union for distribution to postal administrations worldwide. Scott prices the unused stamp at $ 3,250.- ($5,000.- for NH) .

About one hundred of the remaining three hundred stamps were used on the mail carried by Earhart to New York City. Some of these covers were autographed by her, and occasionally show up at auction. The sale of Earhart's flown philatelic souvenirs helped offset the expenses of her aeronautic adventures and further ensured her legacy in aerophilately.

The stamp may seem pricey, but I expect that it will become considerably more so, as it has dual market appeal for both collectors of Mexico and Aerophilatelists. The autographed flight covers are important relics of aviation history, and are coveted by those who collect autographs, stamps, and aviation memorabilia.

While I am not aware of any fakes of this stamps, as it is an overprint, I recommend purchasing it conditional on expertization, preferably by the Mexico-Elmhurst Philatelic Society ( M.E.P.S.I.). Those interested in learning more about Mexican stamps should consider joining, as it is the pre-eminent organization for Mexico philatelists.

With a population of about 109 million, Mexico has experienced consistent annual GDP growth of between 3 and 5%. It has a diverse and developing economy, but modernization remains a slow and uneven process, and current challenges include addressing income inequality, crime, and corruption, upgrading the infrastructure, and reforming tax and labor laws. Stamps of Mexico are popular among collectors in the U.S. .

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. The first such buy list is for Mexico, and includes the stamp recommended in this article. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Phila-Trivia: The Propaganda Forgeries of World War II

During World War II, both the Allies and the Axis powers produced forgeries of their enemies' postage stamps. Among these were postal forgeries, which were intended to cause economic disruption by defrauding the adversaries' postal services, and propaganda forgeries, clandestinely distributed to increase dissent and weaken the morale of the enemy population. Many of these forgeries are listed in the Michel Germany Specialized Catalogue.

Propaganda forgeries created by the Nazis predictably included stamps with anti-Semitic messages. Notable forgeries include spoofs of Great Britain's 1935 Silver Jubilee stamp, with the slogan "This War is a Jewish War" , and the 1937 Coronation issue, noting the alliance between Stalin's U.S.S.R. and Great Britain.
Equating Stalinism with Judaism and claiming that Nazism was a bulwark against Communism was a major theme of Nazi ideology.



The Nazis also issued a set with overprints proclaiming the liquidation of the British Empire. As Germany had come late to the colonial game and wished to replace Great Britain as the world's leading colonial power, this set may be seen as an invidious expression of "colony envy."


The O.S.S. (Office of Strategic Services), the forerunner of the C.I.A., ran a mission from Switzerland called "Operation Cornflakes", which involved bombing German mail trains and air-dropping bags of false, but properly addressed mail, containing Allied propaganda, including propaganda forgeries. The intent was that the false mail would be mixed in with the real mail and delivered by the German postal service. The most striking O.S.S. forgeries mock German Hitler-head stamps, and picture Hitler's face as a partly exposed skull.

The British produced a counterfeit portraying Heinrich Himmler, the head of the S.S. and as top policeman in a police state, perhaps the least popular Nazi leader. Another propaganda forgery featuring Himmler shows him leading a manacled civilian man, who represents Germany in the chain of fascism.


The British also issued propaganda forgeries intended to foment resistance in Poland, which the Nazis viewed as part of their future "living space." The Germans issued stamps for their "General Government" in Poland, not even noting the country name, as part of their policy of eradicating Polish nationalism. The British produced a forgery featuring Hans Frank, the hated Governor-General of Poland, who was ultimately executed for his complicity in the Holocaust in 1946.


In addition, the British produced fake overprints which appeared to have been created for a future German occupation of Morocco, which was held by the collaborationist regime of Vichy France. These were intended to incite suspicion and resentment among the French, who wished to retain control of their North African territories.

Perhaps the most stirring propaganda forgery was a parody of the 1943 Hitler Putsch semi-postal. The forgery portrayed General Field Marshall Erwin von Witzlehen, whom the Germans hanged for his role in the unsuccessful plot to blow up Hitler. The stamp is inscribed “Gehangt am 8 Aug. 1944" (Hanged on 8 Aug 1944). It represents a philatelic tribute to the "Black Orchestra" group who were executed following the coup attempt against the Nazi regime, as well as to the German Resistance as a whole.

Stamp Investment Tip: Cayman Islands 1907-08 Surcharges (Scott #17-20)

In 1907 and '08, the Cayman Islands issued a set of handstamped provisional surcharges (Scott #17-20). Provisional surcharges are generally issued locally when there is an immediate demand for stamps of particular denominations. The crudest and ugliest of these surcharges are the top three values, which are also the scarcest. While the issuance quantity for #17 (the most common; Scott '10 CV for unused = $ 60.00) is unknown, there were 1,800 of #18 and #19 issued (Scott CV of $ 350.00 and $ 375.00 as unused, respectively), and only 480 of #20 (Scott CV as unused = $ 2,000.-) . The varieties of these surcharged stamps are among the great rarities of Caribbean philately. As fake surcharges exist, all (with the possible exception of #17) should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization.

I view these stamps as conservative investments, which should do well as interest in British Commonwealth stamps continues to increase. The significance of a of a domestic Caymanian stamp collector base is limited by the territory's small population (about 60,000). This is offset to some extent by the fact that Caymanians are affluent (they have the highest standard of living in the Caribbean, and the 12th highest GDP per capital in the world), with a thriving tourism sector and the world's fifth largest banking center.

Stamp Investment Tip: Uzbekistan 1999 Horses Souvenir Sheet (Scott #181 )

In 1999, Uzbekistan issued a souvenir sheet picturing horses (Scott #181 ). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 3.50 for unused. While the sheet was almost certainly produced to generate revenue from sales to collectors, it is nevertheless an attractive, cheap, and scarce topical that is worth the ride. As Uzbekistan's economic prospects seem promising, the souvenir sheet is "twice lovable."

A nation of about 28 million, Uzbekistan relies mainly on the production or extraction of commodities, including cotton, gold, uranium, potassium, and natural gas. The government is slowly relaxing state control of the economy, although it remains hostile to allowing the development of a significant private sector. Average annual GDP growth has been outstanding, averaging 8% over the last 5 years. However, average income has remained low, at around $610 per year (2006), largely due to the fact that much of the country's prosperity has benefited a tiny ruling elite of corrupt bureaucrats. Reforms are obviously necessary, although given the country's abysmal human rights record, the road to change will probably be a bumpy one.

Many of the newly independent and newly resurrected nations of Europe and Central Asia have issued popular topical sets and souvenir sheets in modest quantities, and most are currently very inexpensive. I view such issues as low-risk speculations, as only time will tell whether either the development of stamp markets within these countries or topical appeal will push them significantly higher. In a sense, they're comparable to penny stocks, but not as risky.

Stamp Investment Tip: Sudan 1935 Gordon Memorial Issue (Scott #51-59)

From 1899 through 1954, Sudan was officially under Anglo-Egyptian rule, but in fact administered as a British colony. In 1935, it issued a set of stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of the matyrdom of General Charles George "Chinese" Gordon, one of the more colorful characters in the history of the British Empire (Scott #51-59). Gordon was killed in 1885 during the Mahdist Revolt , while unsuccessfully attempting to defend the besieged city of Khartoum. Ultimately, the British reasserted their control, reaching Omdurman, the Mahdist capital, in 1898. There, the British effectively used their shiny new Maxim machine guns to defeat a poorly armed native force more than twice the size of their own. Some 30,000 Mahdist soldiers were killed in the war, along with about 700 of the British forces, which included Egyptians and Sudanese.

The Gordon set strongly appeals to British Commonwealth collectors, as it beautifully illustrates the histrionic hubris and heroics of the former Empire. Only 5,500 were issued, and Scott '10 values it unused at $275.00 . I recommend the set based on my confidence in the growth of the British Commonwealth market, although it's possible that demand for it will receive an additional push should Sudan ever become a normal country.


Currently, Sudan is a nation of about 42 million people, living under what is perhaps the most vicious regime on the planet. It has suffered several civil wars over the last 50 years, including the current one being waged in Darfur, which has earned the government international condemnation and charges of genocide. The country is oil-rich, and currently exports over 180 million barrels per year. It also has significant deposits of natural gas, gold, silver, chrome, asbestos, manganese, gypsum, mica, zinc, iron, lead, uranium, copper, kaolin, cobalt, granite, nickel, tin, and aluminum. Agriculture production remains Sudan's most important sector, employing 80% of the workforce and contributing 39% of GDP, but most farms remain rain-fed and susceptible to drought. Political instability,adverse weather, and weak world agricultural prices ensures that much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years. Annual GDP growth has been very high, averaging almost 8% over the last five years. However, it is very likely that most (or all) of the prosperity has benefited only the ruling elite, as Sudan is not only one of the world's most murderous countries, but also one of the most corrupt.


That an attractive, historically significant set of stamps with such a meager printing quantity and some worldwide appeal, from a medium-sized country with valuable natural resources, is currently valued so low indicates a nearly total lack of a stamp market within that country, which is not surprising if the country is being run by mass murderers who do not care about the welfare of their fellow citizens. At worst, the Gordon set represents a conservative investment. If Sudan's situation improves, there will be ample reward for the patient investor who is willing to get in on the ground floor.

Stamp Investment Tip: Finland 1885 10m Brown and Rose (Scott #37)

In 1885, Finland issued a set of definitives picturing its coat of arms (Scott #31-37). Only 7,500 of the 10m high value (Scott #37) were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 625.00 for both unused and used. Many were probably used on parcels and then discarded. This is a truly scarce stamp, and its design is distinguishable from the more common 1890 10m Brown and Rose (Scott #45), in that #37 has the number "10" in all four corners.

I recommend consideration of all better stamps of Scandinavia. There are many collectors in Europe and the U.S. who focus on these countries as a group, and the scarcer classic items represent a solid conservative investment.


Finland, a nation of 5.3 million people, has a highly industrialized free-market economy focused largely on manufacturing. GDP growth has averaged about 3.6% annually over the last 5 years, although it declined recently due to the global financial crisis, and is now recovering. Finland's stamp collecting population is comparable to other Scandinavian countries, and will probably grow significantly as the nation ages over the next decades.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1957 Boy Scout Souvenir Sheet (Mi. Block #109)

In 1957, South Korea issued a set of stamps (Scott #245-46) and imperforate souvenir sheet (Michel Block #109) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts. While the set is relatively common (200,000 issued), only 1,000 of the souvenir sheets were issued, and Michel '06 values it at 4,200.- Euros for unused (Scott does not list the sheet). Michel does not issue a catalog for Asia every year, and its 2006 edition is its most recent. While the catalog value may seem high, it is sometimes possible to purchase the better, Michel-listed souvenir sheets of South Korea in VF NH condition for 30%-50% of catalog at auction.


I'm attracted to this scarce souvenir sheet both because it is an undervalued item from South Korea and because it is a Scouting Topical. I've tipped a number of better Scouting Topicals in the past, because the market for Scouting-related collectibles (including stamps) is similar to that of a mid-sized country. In 2007, Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides numbered 38 million members (of which 25 million were Boy Scouts) in 216 countries worldwide. Furthermore, the Boy Scouts actively promote the hobby among their members with a Stamp Collecting merit badge (pictured).

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Stamp Investment Tip: Canada 1897 Diamond Jubilee Issue (Scott # 50-65)

On June 22, 1897, the British Empire celebrated Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the 60th Anniversary of her accession to the throne. A holiday was declared in Britain and its colonies for the major event, and Canada issued a series of stamps featuring portraits of both a young and elderly Victoria (Scott #50-65). . The Diamond Jubilee stamps were the first commemorative stamps which Canada issued. There are sixteen different denominations, the highest of which was $5.00 - an astronomical amount for its day and one which few people could afford. As a result, the $1 - $5 values were printed in very low quantities.

I like the set as a whole, but especially favor the nine scarcest stamps within it, which have printings of 100,000 or fewer. I've listed them, along with their printing quantities and Scott '10 Catalog Values for unused, below:

- 6c Yellow Brown (Scott #55; 75,000; $ 230.-; $ 575.- for NH)

-15c Steel Blue (Scott #58; 100,000; $ 260.-; $ 650.- for NH)

-20c Vermilion (Scott #59: 100,000; $ 275.-; $ 625.- for NH)

-50c Ultramarine (Scott #60; 100,000; $ 375.-; $ 775.- for NH)

-$ 1 Lake (Scott #61; 24,900; $ 900.-; $ 2,400.- for NH)

-$ 2 Dark Purple (Scott #62; 25,000; $ 1,350.-; $ 3,600.- for NH)

-$ 3 Yellow Bister (Scott #63; 13,500; $1,400.-; $ 3,750.- for NH)

-$ 4 Purple (Scott #64; 14,500; $ 1,400.-; $ 3,750.- for NH)

-$ 5 Olive Green (Scott #65; 15,500; $ 1,450.-; $ 3,750.- for NH)

I am very optimistic about Canada's prospects for economic growth. It has an affluent, well-educated population, valuable natural resources and vast amounts of undeveloped land. It may even benefit from global warming, as much of Canada's frozen tundra may be eventually be naturally defrosted through the miracle of the greenhouse effect, and become North America's new agricultural breadbasket.

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades, thereby bolstering its population of serious collectors. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Jordan 1927-29 Amir Abdullah Issue (Scott #145-57)

Between 1927 and 1929, Jordan, then a British Mandate territory, issued a set of thirteen definitives honoring Amir Abdullah ibn Hussein, the grandfather of the current king (Scott #145-57). Only 1,634 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $317.00. The set represents an excellent bet on the growth of the Jordanian economy.

Jordan is a small country of 6.3 million people with limited natural resources. Nevertheless, it is an emerging market nation, largely due to its liberal economic policies and relative political stability compared to many of its neighbors, and has maintained an annual GDP growth of 5% -6% over the last 5 years. Currently, its main industries are fertilizers, tourism, and banking, but it also has a developing "knowledge economy," which is contributing to its nascent aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical, and ICT sectors.

Those interested in finding a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Paraguay 1963 Orchid Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C315)

In 1963, Paraguay issued a souvenir sheet picturing the Cattleya cigas Orchid (Scott #C315). Only 2,750 sheets were issued, and Scott prices it unused at $ 62.50. Flower topicals are extremely popular among collectors, so acquiring this rare orchid may turn out to be a smart way to invest in Paraguay.

The main drawback to investing in certain Paraguayan souvenir sheets from the '60s and later is the question of legitimacy: quite a few were issued solely to milk collectors and never saw any postal use. Scott does not list the most egregious issues, but it does list many which fall into a gray area. This sheet does seem to have been used postally, and the combination of low issuance quantity, low catalog value, and topical appeal make it a low-risk speculation.

With about 6 1/2 million people, Paraguay is an emerging market nation with the potential to become a major agricultural exporter. Its subtropical climate allows for 5 harvests every 24 months, and it has vast tracts of virgin arable land. In addition, manufacturing has shown strong growth in the production of edible oils, garments, organic sugar, meat processing, and steel. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.5% over the past 5 years, and was steadily increasing until it experienced a recent slight decline due to the global financial crisis.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for Paraguay, including the souvenir sheet recommended in this article. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.