Stamp Investment Tip: Paraguay 1961 Independence Anniversary (Scott #594-97, C291-93)

 In 1961, Paraguay issued a compound set of  eight stamps in celebration of 150 years of Independence (Scott #595-97, C291-93). The regular issues pictured a Puma, while the airmails pictured a South American Tapir. 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $15.50 .

The booklet has dual market appeal among collectors of Paraguay and Animal topicals, the most popular thematic category. Furthermore, demand is enhanced for all Latin American material by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region in general.

With about 6 1/2 million people, Paraguay is an emerging market nation with the potential to become a major agricultural exporter. Its subtropical climate allows for 5 harvests every 24 months, and it has vast tracts of virgin arable land. In addition, manufacturing has shown strong growth in the production of edible oils, garments, organic sugar, meat processing, and steel. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.5% over the past 5 years, and was steadily increasing until it experienced a recent slight decline due to the global financial crisis.

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 Paraguay, including the souvenir sheet 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.