Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. 1925 Norse-American Issue (Scott #620-21)

 In 1925, the U.S. issued a set of two stamps celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the sloop "Restaurationen" with the first group of immigrants from Norway (Scott #620-21). About 9.1 million of #620 and 1.9 million of #621 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $13.25  ($26.50  for NH).

  These stamps have appeal to both Scandinavian-American collectors and collectors of Transportation/Ship topicals. The printing quantities were higher than for most of the stamps that I normally recommend; however, I am not recommending purchase of the basic set.

  Of the 1.9 million sets issued, it is likely that at least 90%-95% were used as postage and discarded, leaving perhaps 100,000 to 200,000 sets remaining. The stamps were issued in sheets of 100, with one plate block of 8 and one center line block per sheet, of which perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 of each remain. The plate blocks of 8 are pricey (CV of 180.-/275.-NH for #620, and 450.-/750.- NH for #621), but the center line blocks are overlooked and undervalued (CVs of $16.-/22.50 NH for #620, and 70.-/125.- NH for #621).

   While it's certainly true that plate blocks are more popular than center line blocks, I feel that the center line blocks of this issue, which sell for a relatively minor premium over the price of the basic stamps, are a much greater bargain.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) provides a venue for discussing stamp auctions and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.

Stamp Investment Tip: Syria 1937 Airmails (Scott #C80-87)

In 1937, Syria issued a set of  eight airmail stamps picturing a plane flying over historic buildings (Scott #C80-87). 39,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $16.45 .

It's likely that most of these stamps were used and discarded. The attraction of all better Syrian stamps issued by the French is that they have dual market appeal to collectors of Syria and French Colonies.

It is unclear how the current turmoil in Syria will be resolved. Nevertheless, there are many scarce issues from the French period which should do well based on the growth of French Colonies/Area collecting alone. Should the country ever wind up with a more democratic government and more fully compete in the global marketplace, all of the stamps of Syria with low printings will skyrocket, including many of the modern issues with printings of 50,000 or fewer, which are dirt-cheap.

The Syrian Arab Republic, a nation of 22.5 million people, is (or was) a middle-income country, with an economy based on agriculture, oil, industry, and tourism. It has low rates of foreign investment, and low levels of industrial and agricultural productivity. Until the current civil war, the somewhat corrupt and authoritarian government was slowly reforming its centrally planned economy in hopes of attracting new investment in the tourism, natural gas, and service sectors. Average annual GDP growth was a little over 4%, but the extent to which that growth benefited the population as a whole was unclear.

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 provide a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Costa Rica 1946 Soccer Championship (Scott #C121-23)

   About 3 years ago, I recommended Costa Rica's    1941 Soccer Championship Issue (Scott #201-08/C57-66).  In 1946, Costa Rica issued an airmail set of similar design, but inscribed "Febrero 1946" (Scott #C121-23). 55,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 6.00.


 I continue to view Soccer topical issues as the most compelling investments among Sports topical stamps. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with a following of billions of fanatical fans, many of whom live in emerging market nations. Philatelic investors who focus on better Soccer topicals will certainly get more out of it than a kick in the shins.

A small nation of 4 1/2 million people, Costa Rica is unique as the only Latin American country to have escaped the plague of repressive dictatorships and oligarchies endemic to the region. Costa Rica has generally enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability than many of its fellow Latin American nations. The government offers generous tax exemptions to those investing in the country,and in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location. Annual GDP growth has averaged 5.6% over the last 5 years.

 "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've  posted a buy list for Costa Rica, including the set 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Vatican 1952 Papal States 1st Stamp Centennial Souvenir Sheet (Scott #155a)

In 1952, the Vatican issued a stamp and souvenir sheet celebrating the centennial of the first stamp of the Papal States (Scott # 155, 155a). While the stamp is relatively common, only 102,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $140.00. The Papal States (or Roman States) issued stamps from 1852-68, and were among several Italian States which issued stamps prior to the unification of Italy.

The sheet has multiple market appeal among collectors of Vatican, Italy and Area, Transportation, and Stamp-on-stamp topicals. Also, better Vatican items in general should do well as the number of Catholic stamp collectors increases worldwide, especially since many live in emerging market countries.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Peru 1936 Surcharge (Scott #C40-44)

In 1936, Peru surcharge issued a set of five surcharged airmail stamps (Scott #C40-44). 25,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $18.05. Most were probably used as postage and discarded.

Peru has issued a number of undervalued sets, which I intend to cover in the future. Demand for the country's stamps is boosted by the tendency of many collectors to focus on Latin America as a region.

While I sometimes advise obtaining expertization on scarce overprinted issues, such is not the case for this set, which is actually less expensive than the basic non-overprinted stamps.

With a population of 29 million, Peru is an emerging market nation which has experienced significant economic growth over the last 15 years, and annual GDP growth averaging 7.2% over the last 5. Major exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, and fish meal. In 2010 Peru's per capita income is about $10,000. Poverty has steadily decreased since 2004, when nearly half the country's population was under the poverty line, although great inequities in income distribution persist. As the trend continues and more Peruvians join the middle class, the country's better stamps should do very well.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for the Peru, and it includes the set 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: French Southern and Antarctic Territories 1965 Discovery of Adelie Land (Scott #C7)

Four countries claim territory in the Antarctic and issue stamps for their territories. They are Australia (Australian Antarctic Territory), Great Britain (British Antarctic Territory), New Zealand (the Ross Dependency), and France (the French Southern and Antarctic Territories). Of these, the French territory, also known as French Antarctic and abbreviated as F.S.A.T. or T.A.A.F., is of most interest to philatelists, because most of the F.S.A.T. stamps have been issued in modest quantities and many are beautifully engraved. Most stamps issued for the various Antarctic territories are sold to collectors, as only a few hundred scientists reside in research facilities in the Antarctic.

In 1965, the F.S.A.T. issued an attractive bi-colored stamp celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Discovery of Adelie Land by the explorer Dumont d'Urville (Scott #C7). 60,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused stamp at $125.00 .

Demand for stamps of the French Antarctic is strong in France, and the Discovery stamp should do well based upon its beauty, historical significance, and appeal to French Colonies and Polar Topical collectors.

Information concerning printing quantities of stamps is often useful in determining which may turn out to be good investments. The StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List (SSSSQIL) currently includes over 9,700 listings of stamps and souvenir sheets with issuance quantities of 100,000 or less.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hawaii 1857-61 Kamehameha III (Scott 8-9)

Hawaii was an independent kingdom before the contrived planter's rebellion that  resulted in its annexation by the U.S. in 1893. During both periods, it issued many interesting and scarce stamps.

In 1857 and 1861, Hawaii issued two 5c stamps of identical design picturing King Kamehameha III, but on slightly different papers: the 1857 issue on thin white wove paper (Scott #8), and the 1861 issue on thin bluish wove paper (Scott #9). 10,000 of #8 and 20,000 of #9 were issued, and Scott '13 catalogs them unused at $700.- and $375.-, respectively.

I recommend purchase of both stamps, either unused or used. Condition and lack of gum are sometimes problematic with stamps that are over 150 years old, so I'd advise seeking examples that have original gum and are F-VF or better (with four decent margins). If buying examples with minor faults or no gum, then select for appearance and discount accordingly.

It is surprising that there are still many undervalued stamps of Hawaii, given that it's the most popular U.S. Possession among U.S. collectors, and that it is an important cultural and economic nexus between the U.S. and the Far East.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) provides a venue for discussing stamp auctions and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.

Stamp Investment Tip: Rwanda 1966 Flowers (Scott #151-60)

In 1966, Rwanda issued a pretty set of ten stamps picturing Native Flowers (Scott #151-60). 35,000 sets were issued and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $14.10.

The set has potential market appeal among collectors of Flower Topicals, Rwanda, and Belgian Colonies/Area. According to a recent survey, Flowers are the 5th most popular topical collecting category among U.S. collectors, and it's likely that this popularity is roughly the same internationally.


While I do not believe that Rwanda will develop a significant domestic stamp collecting base in the near future, I am more sanguine about the prospect long-term. A nation of 10.7 million people, Rwanda received considerable international attention due to its 1994 genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed. Since then, the country has made a recovery and is now considered a model for developing countries. In 2009, a CNN report labeled Rwanda as Africa's biggest success story, having achieved stability and economic growth. The country is still largely dependent upon agriculture, with coffee and tea being the main exports, although the government has taken an active role in bolstering a growing manufacturing sector. Average income has tripled in the past ten years, and annual GDP growth has been impressive, averaging over 7% over the last five years.

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer. 

Stamp Investment Tip: Panama 1950 Gen'l Jose de San Martin (Scott #373-75, C121-25)

In 1950, Panama issued a compound set of  eight stamps commemorating the centenary of the death of General Jose de San Martin  , who led the struggle to liberate much of South America from Spanish dominion (Scott #373-75, C121-25). 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $5.65.


As with all Latin American stamps, there are many collectors who focus on the region as a whole, which supplements demand for the stamps of the individual countries.

Though I often recommend purchasing scarce overprinted stamps conditional on obtaining expertization, such is not the case with this set, which is too inexpensive to fake.

A nation of 3.4 million people, Panama is the fastest growing economy and the largest per capita consumer in Central America. Panama's economy, because of its key geographic location, is mainly based on a well developed service sector heavily weighted towards banking, commerce, tourism, trading. The handover of the Canal and military installations by the United States has given rise to large construction projects. Tourism has grown rapidly during the past 5 years due to the government offering tax and price discounts to foreign guests and retirees. The country also has valuable copper and gold deposits, which are beginning to be developed. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 7% over the last 5 years.

   "The Stamp Specialist" blog features buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've  posted a buy list for Panama, including some of the items recommended in my articles. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hungary 1947 Stamp Day Souvenir Sheet (Scott #B202)

In 1947, Hungary issued a semi-postal souvenir sheet commemorating Stamp Day (Scott #B202, sheet of four). 40,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $55.00 . As with many Hungarian semi-postals, an imperforate version of the souvenir sheet was also issued, and it is probably 50 to 100 times scarcer than the normal sheet. Scott prices the imperforate souvenir sheet at $4,000 .

The sheets have multiple market appeal among collectors of Hungary and Transportation Topicals, due to the 16th century mail coach pictured on the sheet's stamps.

While recent economic reversals in Europe have hurt the stamp market there, I feel that for most of the countries, the situation is unpleasant but short-term. In the meantime, there are opportunities to pick up bargains, and scarce items with topical appeal are worth considering.

After a difficult transition from a centrally-controlled economy to capitalism, Hungary has experienced moderate economic growth until it was impacted by the 2008-09 financial crisis. As a result of the global financial mess, GDP growth has been almost flat over the past five years. As the newest member of the European Union, this nation of 10 million receives nearly a third of all direct investment flowing into Eastern Europe. Agriculture, metallurgy and mining, and tourism are major components of the economy.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" page at Facebook. The  page hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provide a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.