Stamp Investment Tip: Costa Rica 1963 Native Animals (Scott #C354-61)

In 1963, Costa Rica issued a pleasant set of triangular stamps picturing native animals (Scott #C354-61). 30,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $20.00.

According to a recent survey done by the American Topical Association, "Animals" are the most popular collecting topic among U.S. collectors, and the same probably holds true for collectors in the rest of the world. The set also has an "Eco-topical" theme, which should give it an additional boost as people feel increasingly sentimental about all of the wonderful animal species which they are wiping out. It is undervalued, especially since there are many collectors of Latin America who focus on the region as a whole, and also that it is likely that many of the sets were used as postage and discarded.

With 4 1/2 million people, Costa Rica 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 eco-tourism 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.