Stamp Investment Tip: Mexico 1922 Eagle Airmail (Scott #C1)

In 1922, Mexico issued its first airmail stamp (Scott #C1). Only 3,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it at $67.50 for unused ($85.- for NH).. The normal stamp was printed in blue and red brown, and a somewhat scarcer dark blue and claret color variety was also produced (Scott #C1a- CV as unused = $90.-; $125.- for NH ). The stamps are distinguishable from the far more common 50c Eagles of 1927 and '28 by their colors and also because they were printed on unwatermarked paper.

I recommend purchase of this stamp unused, used, and on cover. The undervaluation of Mexico's first airmail stamp, issued in such a low quantity, would seem astonishing were it not the norm for many scarce stamps of Latin America.

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. as well as in Mexico, and those who wish to learn more about Mexican stamps should consider joining the Mexico Elmhurst Philatelic Society International (M.E.P.S.I.). MEPSI provides many useful services for collectors of Mexico, including expertizing Mexican stamps.

I've 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.