Stamp Investment Tip: Falkland Islands 1898 Victoria (Scott #20-21)

The Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic off the coast of Argentina, is a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom. While Falkland Islanders comprise a tiny but very affluent population of about 3,000, from a philatelic investment perspective, the Falklands are of interest because they appeal to both British Commonwealth and Antarctic territories collectors.

In 1898, the Falklands issued two high value stamps portraying Queen Victoria (Scott #21 and 22). 6,000 of each were issued, and Scott '13 prices them unused at $300.00 and $240.00 respectively.

I recommend purchase of either, in NH, LH, or used condition. These were pricey stamps at a time when the average worker made about 10-20 shillings per week. Most were probably used either as revenues or as postage on heavy packages and discarded.


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