Stamp Investment Tip: Macao 1985 Butterfly Souvenir Sheet (Scott #517a)

   In 1985, Macao issued a souvenir sheet celebrating World Tourism Day, and picturing butterflies (Scott #517a). 30,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $160.- .

   The souvenir sheet appeals to collectors of Animals/Butterflies topicals.

In my opinion, all of the better stamps of the European and other foreign former Colonies/Possessions in China should be considered for investment, as they have dual markets both in their former home countries and in China.

In 1999, Macao became a special administrative district of the People's Republic of China. With a population of about 500,000, Macao's economy is dependent upon tourism, much of it geared toward gambling, although important secondary sectors include apparel manufacturing and financial services. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging over 9% over the last 7 years. The fact that much of Macao's economic growth has been driven by a regional monopoly on gaming is a little worrisome, because obviously there is no guarantee that the People's Republic won't relax restrictions on gambling in the rest of China, allowing more competition. Nevertheless, I feel that certain scarce issues of this former colony are grossly undervalued, given the number of collectors who will be bidding for them.

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.