Stamp Investment Tip: Portugal 1928 Third Independence Issue (Scott #437-52)

  In 1928, Portugal issued its third set of stamps celebrating 800 years of independence (Scott #437-52). 50,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $99.00 ($150.- for NH).

All three of the Independence sets are worth considering as investments, as they illustrate the panoply of Portugese history and also appeal to topicalists collecting Famous Persons. They represent a conservative bet on  Portugal's eventual recovery from the European financial crisis.

  
A nation of 10.6 million people, Portugal is a high income mixed economy, and its major industries include agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism, automobile production , electronics, textiles, and chemicals. The Financial Crisis of 2008 is still affecting the Portuguese economy severely, causing a wide range of domestic problems specifically related to the levels of public deficit in the economy, as well as the excessive debt levels. Portugal's average annual GDP growth over the past 5 years has been flat, reflecting economic contractions in 2009 (2.9%) and 2011 (1.6%).

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 an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.