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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Stamp Investment Tip: Ecuador 1944 Hospital Surcharge (Scott #B1-6/CB1-5)

   In 1944, Ecuador issued a surcharged compound set of semi-postals and airmail semi-postals to provide funds for the Mendez Hospital (Scott #B1-6/CB1-5). Only 2,500 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $47.00.

    The set is grossly undervalued, and should do well based upon the growth of interest in Medical Topicals as well as in stamps of Latin America in general and Ecuador in particular.  While I generally recommend obtaining expertization when purchasing scarce overprinted stamps, doing so in unnecessary in the case of this set, because it is inexpensive and not significantly more valuable than the un-surcharged sets that comprise its basic stamps.

   Ecuador, a democratic republic of 13.6 million people, is considered a medium-income country, with about 38% of its population living below the poverty line. Ecuador's natural resources include petroleum, fish, shrimp, timber and gold. In addition, it has a prosperous agricultural sector, producing bananas, flowers, coffee, cacao, sugar, tropical fruits, palm oil, palm hearts, rice, roses, and corn. While Ecuador's economy suffered during the 2008-09 financial crisis, weathering a default and repurchase of its debt at a discount, it seems to be recovering. Annual GDP growth over the last 5 years has averaged 4.5%.


I've begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.





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