Stamp Investment Tip: Costa Rica 1934 Airmail Issue (Scott #C15-27)

In 1934, Costa Rica issued its first long airmail set (Scott #C15-27). 17,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $35.00 . It is likely that the vast majority were used as postage and discarded.

As with most of Latin America, Costa Rica has issued many stamps which I feel are grossly undervalued.

This small nation of 4 1/2 million people is unique as the only Latin American country to have escaped the plague of repressive dictatorships and oligarchies endemic to the region. Costa Rica has generally enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability than many of its fellow Latin American nations. The government offers generous tax exemptions to those investing in the country,and in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location. Annual GDP growth has averaged 5.6% over the last 5 years.

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 Costa Rica, including the set 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: Thailand 1993 Bangkok Temples Souvenir Sheet (Scott #1001a)

In 1993, Thailand commemorated its BANGKOK '83 Philatelic Exhibition by issuing a souvenir sheet picturing Buddhist temples in Bangkok (Scott #1001a). Only 20,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $ 90.-.

Aside from liking the sheet as an investment in Thailand's economic growth, it has the added attraction of being a Buddhism topical, appealing to collectors among that growing religion's hundreds of millions of adherents worldwide.

A nation of 66 million people, Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Despite this, Thailand ranks midway in the wealth spread in Southeast Asia as it is the 4th richest nation according to GDP per capita, after Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. Though most of the country's population still works in agriculture, the relative contribution of agriculture to GDP has declined while exports of goods and services have increased. Major industries include automobiles and automotive parts, financial services, electric appliances and components, tourism, cement,, appliances, computers and parts, furniture, plastics, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, and tobacco. Annual GDP growth has averaged just over 3% over the last 5 years, but this takes into account a 2% contraction in 2010, due to the global financial crisis.

Stamp Investment Tip: Kazakhstan 2006 Theater Arts (Scott #539)

In 2006 , Kazakhstan issued a stamp featuring Theater Arts (Scott #539). Only 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $1.75 .

Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.


A nation of 16 million, Kazakhstan is known to many outsiders from the somewhat demeaning film comedy "Borat." It is the 9th largest country in the world, with a territory greater than that of Western Europe, although its population density is less than 15 per square mile. Kazakhstan has plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, iron, and gold. It also has a major agricultural sector, and is the seventh largest producer of grain. Annual GDP growth has averaged 6% over the last 5 years.


Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group and organization page at Facebook. These host lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and are also excellent venues for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Peru 1936 Founding of Callao Centenary (Scott #341-51, C13)

In 1936, Peru issued a compound set of twelve stamps celebrating the Centenary of the Founding of the Province of Callao (Scott #341-51, C13). Only 5,000 sets were issued and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $134.40.


Peru has issued a number of undervalued sets, which I intend to cover in the future. Demand for the country's stamps is boosted by the tendency of many collectors to focus on Latin America as a region.


With a population of 29 million, Peru is an emerging market nation which has experienced significant economic growth over the last 15 years, and annual GDP growth averaging 7.2% over the last 5. Major exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, and fish meal. In 2010 Peru's per capita income is about $10,000. Poverty has steadily decreased since 2004, when nearly half the country's population was under the poverty line, although great inequities in income distribution persist. As the trend continues and more Peruvians join the middle class, the country's better stamps should do very well.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for the Peru, and it includes the set 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: Philippines 1979 Native Animals (Scott #1403-08)

In 1979, the Philippines issued an attractive set of stamps featuring native animals (Scott #1403-08). Only 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $10.95 .

It is likely that most were used as postage and discarded.From the perspective of philatelic history, the Philippines is interesting because it has issued stamps under Spanish dominion, U.S. Administration, Japanese Occupation, and as an independent nation. It is also compelling as an area of research for the philatelic investor, because of its rapid economic growth, and because it has issued a number of scarce yet overlooked issues, including some modern popular topical sets, such as the Animals topical issue featured in this article.


As a newly democratic and newly industrialized country of 92 million which is moving away from from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines could turn out to be one of the most successful emerging markets in the Pacific Region. The government tends toward fiscal conservatism coupled with long-term economic planning, and annual GDP growth has been around 6%-7%. Barring extreme political instability, it is likely that the Philippines will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next decades.


I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for the Philippines, and it includes the set and 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.


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

Phila-Trivia: India's Withdrawn Guru Granth Sahib Stamp (Scott #2109)

In 2005, India released a commemorative stamp and souvenir sheet to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the holy text of the Sikh religion, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or Adi Granth (Scott #2109, 2109a ). Unfortunately, the stamp contained a design error which violated the maryada (Sikh code of conduct), and offended many members of the Sikh community. According to Sikh tradition, the holy book should be covered by a "rumala", or piece of cloth, when it is not being read. The stamp pictured a lone holy book without a reader, yet unveiled. Accordingly, it was withdrawn from all Indian post offices across the country by the Department of Posts.

However, an unknown quantity of the stamps were sold prior to their formal release at some post offices in India's southern states. Whether or not the stamp is a good investment largely depends upon how many remain, including those sold before they were withdrawn and those hoarded by Indian postal employees attempting to supplement their incomes by dumping the ostensibly scarce stamps on collectors. Scott '11 prices the unused miniature sheet of one at $45.- and the miniature sheet of 12 at $90.- .

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.    

Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. Private Die Medicine Stamps

In an earlier article ( "General Commentary: Is There a Doctor in Your Album?" ), I considered the prospects for Medical Topical stamps, given that the number of doctors and nurses in the world is projected to dramatically increase over the coming decades. As it happens, a similar trend applies in the U.S., which will face a shortage of about 150,000 doctors over the next 15 years. Health care reform and aging of the U.S. population are expected to significantly increase the demand for medical services.

From a philatelic investment standpoint, more doctors and nurses means more demand for Medical Topicals, because many Medical Topical collectors are health care professionals. However, most U.S. postage stamps which are Medical Topicals are relatively recent issues which are common and inexpensive, and which probably will not be given much of a boost by the trend.

The stamps that I feel could do well as a result of the trend are not postage stamps at all, but rather tax stamps, known as Private Die Medicine Stamps. These stamps are listed in the Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue under "Private Die Proprietary Stamps." They came into being in the 1860s as a result of the Revenue Act of 1862, which Congress passed in order to raise money to fight the Civil War. In effect, those selling patent medicines now had to pay a tax on each bottle or container sold. The manufacturers were authorized to design their own dies for the stamps, so the stamps did double duty, serving as ornate advertisements for their products as well as paying the tax. Patent medicines of the 19th century were typically sold by traveling hucksters (sometimes referred to as "snake oil salesmen") as panaceas for all diseases. Many of these potions did provide temporary relief for discomfort, since commonly used ingredients included alcohol, laudanum (an opiate solution), and even cocaine. For the salesman, transforming gullible customers into addicts represented an extremely effective business model, just as it does today.

I have, from time to time, spoken to revenue stamp dealers regarding these stamps, and they have confirmed my hunch that many collectors of Private Die Medicine Stamps are doctors. This is not surprising, since the stamps are fascinating relics of Medical history. Those interested in considering Private Die Medicine stamps as investments should take a look at "An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the United States" , which includes printing quantities for many of these stamps. In my opinion, the best strategy would be to focus on those with known printings of 100,000 or fewer (which I've listed in the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, under U.S.), especially those that are visually attractive or feature subjects which have topical appeal. Needless to say, the vast majority of most Private Die Medicine stamps were discarded along with the empty bottles of narcotics and sugar water to which they were attached.

As these stamps were stuck to the bottles of "medicine" before they were sold, remaining examples are usually defective, and as noted by Scott, catalog values apply to faulty stamps of reasonable appearance. Sound, well-centered examples often command substantial premiums.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Great Britain -Offices in Africa - Tripolitania 1950 Surcharged Dues (Scott #J6-10)

From 1943 through 1951, Tripolitania, a province of Libya, was under British administration. In 1950, the British overprinted their own postage dues, creating a set of surcharged dues for use in Tripolitania (Scott #J6-10). Only 10,682 sets were issued, and Scott '11 values the set at $100.25 for unused.

In my opinion, the set has been neglected because it is doubly obscure, as a weird little back-of-book item from a former colonial power's offices in Africa. Given the potential for multiple market appeal among collectors of Great Britain, British Commonwealth, and Libya, I believe the set to be grossly undervalued. Even without the development of a stamp market in Libya,the set should do well.

Libya has been in the news quite a bit lately, and it is unclear how and when the current conflict will be resolved. A nation of about 6.4 million people, it depends mostly upon oil exports, and has reserves in excess of 44 billion barrels of oil and 54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. However, the country's not so lovably eccentric authoritarian dictator has siphoned off much of the wealth and distributed it to family members and allies, while keeping his subjects in line by giving free expression to a minimalist conception of human rights. Annual GDP growth has averaged 5% over the last 5 years, and with a little luck, more of that prosperity will be spread among the Libyan people in the future.

Stamp Investment Tip: Cuba 1937 Writers and Artists Issue (Scott #340-54,C24-29,E10-11)

In 1937, Cuba issued a magnificent compound set showcasing the panorama of history and culture in the Americas (Scott #340-54,C24-29, E10-11). This set is sometimes referred to as the "Writers and Artists" issue, because proceeds from its sale benefited the Association of American Writers and Artists. Only 17,850 sets were sold, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $121.75 ($160.- for NH).

As with most of Latin America, Cuba has issued many stamps which I feel are grossly undervalued. This set has wide appeal throughout Latin America, and should do very well, especially after Cuba rejoins the free world. Note that "gloppy" or toned gum are typical defects found on many of these sets, so select for those that have clean gum.

I believe it inevitable that Cuba will join the fold of more-or-less free nations, and that tourism and trade will explode as a result. Currently, the average wage of each of the 11 1/2 million people living in this "socialist utopia" is under $20 per month, and GDP per capita is 107th in the world. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging 6.4% over the last 5 years, but given the levels of corruption and favoritism shown to high ranking Communist Party members, it's an open question whether much of that new wealth has been filtering downward. Eventually, something will have to give. The current market for Cuban stamps, especially of the Pre-Castro Period, is bolstered by interest of stamp collectors within Cuban-American community, currently about 1.6 million strong, and far wealthier than their compatriots on the island. Interest in Cuban stamps is likely to increase, especially given the likely prospect of a replacement of the stale, "gerontocratic" regime within a decade or so.

I have begun a new blog, " The Stamp Specialist ", featuring my buy lists for stamps which I wish to purchase, including some Cuban stamps. Periodically viewing dealers' buy lists is an excellent way to remained informed about the state of the stamp market.


Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is also a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Bulgaria 1935 Balkan Soccer Tournament (Scott #267-72)

In 1935, Bulgaria issued a set of six stamps commemorating the 5th Balkan Soccer Tournament (Scott #267-72). Only 7,000 sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $ 326.-.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with a following of billions of fanatical fans, many of whom live in emerging market nations. Philatelic investors who focus on better Soccer topicals will certainly get more out of it than a kick in the shins.

Since the fall of communism, Bulgaria, with a population of about 7.6 million, has experienced rapid economic growth, although its GDP per capita is only about $13,000, about 40% of the European Union average. It has an industrialized, open free-market economy, with a large, moderately advanced private sector and a number of strategic state-owned enterprises. The World Bank classifies it as an "upper-middle-income economy." Tourism is a steadily growing, and the country also benefits from rich natural resources, a highly educated population and an export-oriented agricultural sector. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.5% over the last 5 years, reflecting a recent major contraction due to the European debt mess.

Stamp Investment Tip: India 2005 Gandhi's Salt March Anniversary Souvenir Sheet (Scott #2103a)

In 2005, India issued a souvenir sheet celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March (Scott #2103a).This act of civil disobedience against the British helped to mobilize support for India's Independence movement. 100,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused sheet at $10.00.

Over the last decade or so, India has issued a number of souvenir sheets in quantities of 50,000 to 100,000. I intend to recommend some of them in future articles. While India's stamp market is heating up, the process has been more gradual than that of its neighbor, China. Had a comparable souvenir sheet been issued there, commemorating Mao's Long March and with the same printing quantity, it would probably retail for at least 50 to 100 times the current cost of the Gandhi sheet.

This souvenir sheet should be targeted for aggressive accumulation as a grossly undervalued popular topical issue from a nation of 1.2 billion people which is becoming an economic superpower. I think that in certain respects, the Indian stamp market resembles the Chinese stamp market of 20-25 years ago. In the coming years, the "serious" stamp collecting population of Indians will number in the millions, if not tens of millions.


Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" page at Facebook. The page hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Afghanistan 1960 UN Day Souvenir Sheet (Scott #477Note)

I'm initiating coverage of Afghanistan with a popular topical issue, in keeping with my strategy of focusing on items which have worldwide appeal when speculating on stamps of volatile emerging market countries. In 1960, Afghanistan issued a set and souvenir sheet celebrating U.N. Day (Scott #477Note). Only 12,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '11 prices it at $6.00 for unused.

I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

From a philatelic perspective, Afghanistan is of interest mainly for its early issues, especially the "Tiger's Heads." These crudely lithographed stamps have appeal to specialists throughout the world. When these stamps were issued, most Afghan post offices did not have postal cancelers, so pieces were torn off of stamps in order to indicate that they were used. Tiger's Heads which catalog in the hundreds of dollars were probably produced in very modest quantities, although printing quantity information is not available for these issues. I may recommend some of these stamps in future articles.

A nation of over 28 million people, Afghanistan is one of the world's poorest countries. In 2010, the nation's GDP per capita was about $1,000. Its unemployment rate is 35% and roughly 36% of its citizens live below the poverty line. About 42 percent of the population live on less than $1 a day, according to USAID. However, due to the infusion of multi-billion dollars in international assistance and investments, as well as remittances from expats, the economy has steadily improved, growing at approximately 12 percent per year during the past six years. Opium production is a major part of the underground economy, employing over 2 million Afghans.

Recent discoveries of major mineral deposits make the country look compelling from a long-term perspective. In 2010, Pentagon officials, along with geologists from the United States, announced the discovery of $1–3 trillion worth untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan. The country may possess up to 36 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, 3.6 billion barrels of petroleum, up to 1.3 billion barrels of natural gas liquids and huge deposits of gold, copper, coal, iron ore, lithium, and other minerals.

Stamp Investment Tip: Chile 1910 Independence Centenary (Scott #83-97)

In 1910, Chile celebrated the centenary of its independence from Spain by issuing a set of fifteen stamps (Scott #83-97). The printing quantity for this set is not known, but I estimate than no more than 20,000 were issued. Scott '11 prices the set at $124.40 for unused). The set has historically significance, as it depicts important events and military leaders from Chile's War of Independence.


Many of those who collect Chile also collect stamps of South America or all of Latin America, so demand tends to be more generalized than usual. This is not to say that there isn't demand originating from collectors focusing on the individual country as well, but rather that the tendency to collect the whole region is an important factor to consider.

A nation of 17 million, Chile is considered the most "European" Latin American nation, and the proportion of stamp collectors within the population is moving towards European levels. Major sectors include agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, finance, and tourism. Although economic inequities common to most Latin American nations persist, the government favors gradual reform, and has a record of implementing sound economic policies. Annual GDP growth has averaged 3.2% over the last 5 years.

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 Chile, including the set 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.