In 1944, Venezuela issued a set of seven airmails commemorating the centennial of the first cooperative shop in Rochdale, England by Charles Howarth (Scott #C199-205). Howarth was famous as a reformer and labor organizer. 15,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $10.80 ($18.- for NH). Many were probably used as postage and discarded.With a population of about 26 million, Venezuela is resource-rich, and consistently ranks among the top ten oil producers in the world. Annual GDP growth has averaged almost 10% over the last 5 years, although it has been decelerating recently due to lower oil prices. Under Chavez-style quasi-socialism, the percentage of Venezuelans living below the poverty line has decreased from 48% in 2002 to 30% in 2006. The country has begun diversifying its economy away from its current near-total dependence on petroleum exports, and has spawned a rapidly growing manufacturing sector.
I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", featuring my buy lists for stamps which I wish to purchase, including many items from Venezuela .Periodically viewing dealers' buy lists
is an excellent way to remained informed about the state of the stamp market.
Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.
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