In 1930, Panama issued a set of five airmail stamps picturing a plane over a map of Panama (Scott #C10-14). 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $13.05.
It is likely that most of these stamps were used as postage and then discarded. Furthermore, the set appeals to a small but rapidly growing number of Map on Stamp topicalists, also known as "Cartophilatelists."
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.
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 my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Panama. 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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