Stamp Investment Tip: United Nations -Kosovo 2005 Handicrafts set (Scott #31-34)

   As part of the treaty negotiations ending the 1998-99 Kosovo War, the United Nations set up an interim administration mission (UNMIK) in Kosovo. The UN has since issued stamps for this provisional governing body, and many of the UN-Kosovo sets have topical interest and were issued in small quantities. In my opinion, the better UNMIK sets make far better investments than those issued by any of the three regular UN Offices (New York, Geneva, and Vienna).

   In 2005, UNMIK issued a set of stamps picturing Native Handicrafts (Scott #31-34). 50,000 were issued, and Scott  '14  prices the unused set at $ 18.50. The set has dual appeal to collectors of United Nations and Art Topicalists.

   I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.


   Kosovo is now a quasi-independent state with about 1.7 million citizens. Before Independence, it was the poorest part of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and in the 1990s its economy suffered from the combined results of political upheaval, the Yugoslav wars, Serbian dismissal of Kosovo employees, and international sanctions on Serbia, of which it was then part. After 1999, it had an economic boom as a result of post-war reconstruction and foreign assistance. In the period from 2003 to 2011, despite declining foreign assistance, growth of GDP averaged over 5% a year. This was despite the global financial crisis of 2009 and the subsequent eurozone crisis. A major deterrent to foreign manufacturing investment in Kosovo was removed in 2011 when the European Council accepted a Convention allowing Kosovo to be accepted as part of its rules for diagonal cumulative origination, allowing the label of Kosovo origination to goods which have been processed there but originated in a country elsewhere in the Convention.

   The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum 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: Mexico 1945 Peace Theater Reconstruction (Scott #801-04,C148-52)

In 1945, Mexico issued a compound set of stamps celebration the reconstruction of the Theater of Peace (Scott #801-04,C148-52). 15,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $51.65.

The set has appeal as an Art/Architecture topical.

With a population of about 109 million,  Mexico has a diverse and developing economy, but modernization remains a slow and uneven process. Current challenges include addressing income inequality, crime, corruption, upgrading the infrastructure, and reforming tax and labor laws. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 2% over the last five years, which takes into account a contraction of 6.5% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Stamps of Mexico are popular among collectors in the U.S. as well as in Mexico, and those who wish to learn more about Mexican stamps should consider joining the Mexico Elmhurst Philatelic Society International (M.E.P.S.I.). MEPSI provides many useful services for collectors of Mexico, including expertizing Mexican stamps.

  "The Stamp Specialist" blog features buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. The buy list for Mexico 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: U.S. 1993-Present Junior Duck Stamps (Scott #JDS 1-21)

  The U.S. Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program held its first national art contest and issued its first Junior Duck Stamp in 1993, and it has gradually increased in popularity among Duck stamp collectors ever since. More than 27,000 students enter Junior Duck Stamp art contests each year.  It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of students have been educated on the importance of waterfowl and wetlands conservation.  The winning design from the national contest is used to create the Junior Duck Stamp for the following year. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamp support conservation education, and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers and schools that participate in the program.

   Technically, these stamps are cinderellas. Unlike the regular Federal, State, and Tribal Duck Stamps, the Junior Duck Stamps do not license hunters, but are issued solely as collectibles. Though I seldom recommend cinderellas as investments, the growing popularity of these stamps renders them an exception to this rule.

  I wish to thank the Federal Duck Stamp Office for has generously providing me with information as to "minimum quantities sold" for these stamps, which may be considered to be slightly less than the actual quantities sold. For certain years, no information is available, and it should be noted that the stamps are available for purchase from them for three years after issuance, so those issued from 2011 on are still being sold. I've listed these stamps, their quantities issued, and their Scott '14 Catalog Values, below:

• 1993 $5 Redhead (#JDS1 - Unknown; CV = $85.-)
• 1994 $5 Hooded Merganser (#JDS2 - Unknown; CV = $200.-)
• 1995 $5 Northern Pintail (#JDS3 - 2,493; CV = $450.-)
• 1996 $5 Canvasback (#JDS4 - 2,783 ; CV = $550.-)
• 1997 $5 Canada Goose (#JDS5 - 2,804; CV = $500.-)
• 1998 $5 Black Duck (#JDS6 - 223; CV = $500.- )
• 1999 $5 Wood Duck (#JDS7 - Unknown; CV = $ 525.-)
• 2000 $5 Northern Pintail (#JDS8 - Unknown; CV = $350.-)
• 2001 $5 Trumpeter Swan (#JDS9 - 18,928; CV = $85.-)
• 2002 $5 Mallard (#JDS10 - 21,667; CV = $55.-)
• 2003 $5 Green-winged Teal (#JDS11 - 21,466; CV = $35.-)
• 2004 $5 Whistling Duck (#JDS12 - 25,035; CV = $27.50)
• 2005 $5 Ring-necked Duck (#JDS13 - 28,456; CV = $25.-)
• 2006 $5 Redhead (#JDS14 - 27,720; CV = $15.-)
• 2007 $5 American Widgeon (#JDS15 - 17,567; CV = $12.-)
• 2008 $5 Nene (#JDS16 - 31,499; CV = $12.-)
• 2009 $5 Wood Duck (#JDS17 - 21,389; CV = $12.-)
• 2010 $5 Hooded Merganser (#JDS18 - 30,519; CV = $10.-)
• 2011 $5 Ring-necked Duck (#JDS19 - 15,486; CV = $10.-)
• 2012 $5 Northern Pintail (#JDS20 - Unknown; CV = $ 10.-)
• 2013 $5 Canvasback (#JDS21 -  Unknown; CV - $10.- )

  From a philatelic investment perspective, the Duck Stamp collecting community is interesting because it represents an atypical crossover market which includes collectors of  U.S. stamps in general, U.S. Revenues, Duck hunting collectibles and Wildlife art. Because revenues from the sales of the stamps are used to purchase and protect wildlife habitats, it may be considered a "green" collectible, and Duck stamp collecting is actively promoted by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. I estimate that currently there are between 8,000 to 10,000 "serious" Duck stamp collectors in the U.S., and many others who buy them to them to fill spaces in their general U.S. albums.

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: United Nations -Kosovo 2005 Archeological Artifacts (Scott #38-41)

As part of the treaty negotiations ending the 1998-99 Kosovo War, the United Nations set up an interim administration mission (UNMIK) in Kosovo, which functioned from 1999 to 2008, when Kosovo declared its independence. The UN issued stamps for this provisional governing body, and many of the UN-Kosovo sets have topical interest and were issued in small quantities. In my opinion, the better UNMIK sets make far better investments than those issued by any of the three regular UN Offices (New York, Geneva, and Vienna).

In 2005, UNMIK issued a set of stamps picturing Archeological Artifacts (Scott #38-41). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 27.00. The set has potential multiple market appeal to collectors of Yugoslavia,  United Nations, and Art Topicalists.

I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

Kosovo is now a quasi-independent state with about 1.7 million citizens. Before Independence, it was the poorest part of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and in the 1990s its economy suffered from the combined results of political upheaval, the Yugoslav wars, Serbian dismissal of Kosovo employees, and international sanctions on Serbia, of which it was then part. After 1999, it had an economic boom as a result of post-war reconstruction and foreign assistance. In the period from 2003 to 2011, despite declining foreign assistance, growth of GDP averaged over 5% a year. This was despite the global financial crisis of 2009 and the subsequent eurozone crisis. A major deterrent to foreign manufacturing investment in Kosovo was removed in 2011 when the European Council accepted a Convention allowing Kosovo to be accepted as part of its rules for diagonal cumulative origination, allowing the label of Kosovo origination to goods which have been processed there but originated in a country elsewhere in the Convention.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to view the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.
   

Stamp Investment Tip: Armenia 1997 1,700th Anniversary of Christianity in Armenia Souvenir Sheet (Scott #549)

In 1997, Armenia issued a set and souvenir sheet picturing Armenian churches and honoring 1,700 years of Christianity in Armenia (Scott 544-48, 549). 100,000 sets and 30,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices them unused at $7.50 and $ 5.00, respectively.

I recommend purchase of the souvenir sheet, as it is an attractive Religion and Art/Architecture topical and also appeals to Armenian nationalist sentiment.

Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.

Armenia, a nation of about 3.2 million, has made steady economic progress in the face of a number of obstacles, including its legacy of dependence on the Soviet Union as a centrally planned economy, a catastrophic earthquake, and an unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Major economic sectors include agriculture, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and mining, and new industries, such as precious stone processing and jewellery making, information and communication technology, and even tourism are beginning to develop. The economy is also bolstered by investment and support from 5.7 million Armenians living abroad. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% over the last 5 years, although this reflect a contraction of 14% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis.

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: Armenia 1993 Hakop Kojoian Souvenir Sheet (Scott #451A)

In 1993, Armenia issued a souvenir sheet picturing a painting by  Hakop Kojoian of David of Sassoun,  a national hero who drove Arab invaders out of Armenia (Scott #451A). He is the subject of an Armenian epic poem, the Sasuntsi Davit, which recounts his exploits.Only 20,000 of the sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $10.00.

This inexpensive souvenir sheet is an attractive Art/Literature topical and also appeals to Armenian nationalist sentiment.

Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.

Armenia, a nation of about 3.2 million, has made steady economic progress in the face of a number of obstacles, including its legacy of dependence on the Soviet Union as a centrally planned economy, a catastrophic earthquake, and an unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Major economic sectors include agriculture, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and mining, and new industries, such as precious stone processing and jewellery making, information and communication technology, and even tourism are beginning to develop. The economy is also bolstered by investment and support from 5.7 million Armenians living abroad. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% over the last 5 years, although this reflect a contraction of 14% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis..

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: Peru 1963 Chavin Ceramics Airmail Semi-Postals (Scott #CB1-5)

In 1963, Peru issued a set of five airmail semi-postal stamps picturing ceramic objects found at the excavations of its Chavin culture, an early indigenous civilization (Scott #CB1-5). The additional non-postal surtax helped to fund the excavations. 30,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 5.35.

This currently inexpensive set has appeal as an Art/Archeology topical, and should also do well as Peru continues its economic development. As with all stamps of Latin America, demand is bolstered by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region as a whole.

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: Japan 1949 Moon and Geese Souvenir Sheet (Scott #479a)

  In 1949, Japan issued a souvenir sheet of five stamps picturing the famous "Moon and Geese" print by the artist Hiroshige (Scott #479a). 200,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $325.00 ($ 500.-  for NH) .

  Few Japanese were collecting stamps in the early postwar years, as most were poor. It is likely that most of these expensive 40 yen sheets were broken up and used as postage on parcels. It has added appeal as both an Art and Animals/Birds topical, and I recommend it as a conservative investment. Note, however, that these sheets are often found with gum bends or toning, defects which significantly detract from value.

I've no doubt that Japan's economy will  rebound after having been hit by the recent horrific earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster which caused so much devastation. Japan is the third largest economy in the world (after the U.S. and China), and has a large and active stamp collecting community.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group and organization page at Facebook. The group and page host 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: India 2000 Indepex Asiana Souvenir Sheet (Scott #1863b)

In 2000, India issued a souvenir sheet celebrating the Indepex Asiana Stamp Exhibition, and picturing Indian jewelry (Scott #1863b). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $8.00 .


All Indian souvenir sheets with printings of 100,000 or fewer should be accumulated, with priority given to those issues which have strong thematic appeal. The Indepex Asiana souvenir sheet has obvious appeal as an Art and Gems/Minerals topical and should do very well indeed. India is a rapidly developing nation of over a billion people, and millions of Indian collectors will likely be converted to the insidious cult of Philately over the next decades.

 Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to view the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.

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: Kyrgyzstan 2007 Fine Arts Souvenir Sheet (Scott # 293 )

In 2007, Kyrgyzstan issued a souvenir sheet honoring the Fine Arts (Scott #293 ). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused sheet at $5.00 .

The sheet has appeal to Art Topicalists as well as collector of Kyrgyzstan.

I believe that focusing on scarce popular topicals is a prudent means of speculating on stamps of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. Whether or not demand develops within these countries for the stamps that they issue, there will always be worldwide demand for their most popular topicals.

A nation of 5.5 million, Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest country in Central Asia. It has had economic difficulties following independence from the Soviet Union, as a result of the breakup of the Soviet trading bloc and resulting loss of markets, which impeded the republic's transition to a free market economy. Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, and the country also has substantial deposits of coal, gold, uranium, antimony, and other valuable minerals. In addition, the country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. Overall, the government appears committed to the transition to a market economy,and economic performance has improved considerably in the last decade, although the country was hit by the global financial crisis in the last two. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.8% over the last 5 years.


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

Stamp Investment Tip: Vatican 1948 Archangel Raphael and Tobias Airmails (Scott #C16-17)

In 1948, the Vatican issued a set of two airmail stamps picturing the Archangel Raphael and Tobias (Scott #C16-17). The design was based upon the Francesco Botticini's painting "Archangel Michael with Archangels Raphael and Gabriel, as They Accompany Tobias." 45,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $440.00 ($640.- for NH) .

Though in a sense, all Vatican stamps are of special interest to Catholic collectors, this set's subject enhances its appeal as a combined Religion and Art Topical. Purchasing it could have an angelic effect on your stamp portfolio.

Stamps of the Vatican appeal to both collectors of Italy and Area in general as well as Vatican in particular. 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: Kyrgyzstan 2003 Artifacts Souvenir Sheet (Scott #205)

In 2003, Kyrgyzstan issued a souvenir sheet picturing Kyrgyz artifacts found by archeologists (Scott #205). Only 3,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused sheet at $10.00 .

The miniature sheet is a very scarce Art topical, and I believe that focusing on scarce popular topicals is a prudent means of speculating on stamps of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. Whether or not demand develops within these countries for the stamps that they issue, there will always be worldwide demand for their most popular topicals.

A nation of 5.5 million, Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest country in Central Asia. It has had economic difficulties following independence from the Soviet Union, as a result of the breakup of the Soviet trading bloc and resulting loss of markets, which impeded the republic's transition to a free market economy. Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, and the country also has substantial deposits of coal, gold, uranium, antimony, and other valuable minerals. In addition, the country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. Overall, the government appears committed to the transition to a market economy,and economic performance has improved considerably in the last decade, although the country was hit by the global financial crisis in the last two. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.8% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: U.N.- Kosovo 2004 National Costumes (Scott #22-25)

In 2004, the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNIAK) issued a set of four stamps picturing Kosovar National Costumes (Scott #22-25). Only 30,000 of these Art-related topical sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $100.-.

I continue to like the better U.N. and U.N.-related stamps long-term. The market for these stamps should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

In my opinion, the best philatelic investment bets on increasing interest in the U.N. are not to be found among the regular issues of its main offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, but rather among peripheral items, such as the Swiss International Organizations stamps, stamps issued by UNTEA and UNIAK, and some of the scarcer U.N.-related topicals issued by various countries. The printing quantities of stamps issued by the main U.N. offices are simply too high, and I expect that much of them will be available for less than face value for some time to come.

Stamp Investment Tip: Kazakhstan 2006 Theater Arts (Scott #539)

In 2006 , Kazakhstan issued a stamp featuring Theater Arts (Scott #539). Only 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $1.75 .

Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.


A nation of 16 million, Kazakhstan is known to many outsiders from the somewhat demeaning film comedy "Borat." It is the 9th largest country in the world, with a territory greater than that of Western Europe, although its population density is less than 15 per square mile. Kazakhstan has plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, iron, and gold. It also has a major agricultural sector, and is the seventh largest producer of grain. Annual GDP growth has averaged 6% over the last 5 years.


Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group and organization page at Facebook. These host lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and are also excellent venues for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Haiti 1942 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Souvenir Sheets (Scott #C19-21/C21Note)

In 1942, Haiti issued a set of souvenir sheets honoring Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a title given to the Virgin Mary as portrayed on a famous Byzantine icon. The set was issued in both perforated and imperforate form (Scott #C19-21, C19a-21a). 10,000 of the perf. and 2,000 imperf. sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices them unused at $15.00 and $ 75.-, respectively.

When it comes to philatelic investing, Haiti represents a ground floor opportunity. While some of its earlier stamps have attracted interest among specialists in the U.S. and Europe, many of its scarce modern sets have been neglected. Generally, I recommend that investors focus on either key stamps or popular topical issues when speculating on stamps of desperately poor countries. The "Our Lady" set qualifies as both a Religion and an Art topical, and both areas have growing worldwide appeal. As speculations go, it's about as low-risk as they come. A nation of about 9 million people, Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. In 2009, it had a nominal GDP of about $7 billion , with a GDP per capita of $790 - slightly over $2 per person per day. Half of all Haitians are illiterate, and 66% work in the agricultural sector, mainly as small-scale subsistence farmers. The richest 1% of the population owns about 50% of the wealth, and the country is rated among the most corrupt in the world. Not surprisingly, annual GDP growth has been low, averaging about 1.8% over the last 5 years. The devastating 2010 Earthquake resulted in increased international attention and aid, offering the hope that perhaps things can't get much worse.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist" , featuring buy prices for stamps which I wish to purchase, including this Haitian set. Viewing buy lists every once in a while is an excellent way to remain informed concerning the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Panama 1964 Cathedrals Issue (Scott #C300-21,C321a)

In 1964, Panama issued a handsome engraved airmail set and souvenir sheet picturing famous churches, and commemorating the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church (Scott #C300-21, C321a). 20,000 sets and 17,500 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices them unused at $50.00 and $15.00, respectively.


I favor both the set and the souvenir sheet, as they have multiple market appeal among collectors of Panama, Latin America in general, and Religion topicals. 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.

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 Panama, including the set and 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Tajikistan 1998 Handicrafts (Scott #119-20)

In 1998, Tajikistan issued a set of 3 stamps featuring traditional Tajik handicrafts (Scott #119-20; 119,119A,120). The high value is an imperforate miniature sheet picturing a ceramic tile. Only 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the set unused at $6.00.

The set makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Art topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Tajikiistan and the development of a stamp market there. This recommendation is consistent with my belief that one of the best ways to play the new and newly resurrected countries of Europe and Asia is to focus on popular topicals with low printings.

Tajikistan, a nation of about 8 million people, is still recovering from a devastating civil war which ended in 1997. Since the end of the war, newly established political stability and foreign aid have allowed the country's economy to grow. Trade in commodities such as cotton, aluminium and Uranium has contributed greatly to this steady improvement. Remittance from Taji migrant workers abroad, mainly in Russia, represents a major source of the country's GDP. The Tajik economy is fragile, largely owing to corruption, uneven economic reforms, and economic mismanagement. Annual GDP growth has averaged 6.5% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Brazil 1949 Ouro Fino Bicentenary Souvenir Sheet (Scott #687a)

Like Jim Cramer and many other investment analysts, I favor the "BRIC" countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), but as a stampselector, my take on them is somewhat different. Certainly an investor should endeavor to profit from the economic growth of these countries by investing in mutual funds or by prudently picking stocks, but should he be familiar with stamps, then why not diversify into them as well? After all, unlike a publicly traded company, a stamp (or in this case, a souvenir sheet) can't be nationalized, lose its value due to mismanagement, fraud, dilution, or competition, or go bankrupt. In fact, a stamp's supply must either remain static or diminish over time, so in effect, all are subject to "stock buybacks" by the Fates or Father Time.


In 1949, Brazil issued a souvenir sheet picturing the Church of Sao Francisco de Paula, and commemorating the Bicentenary of the city of Ouro Fino (Scott #687a). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values this religion topical at $62.50 for unused and $30.00 for used. As an added "bonus feature," the s/s was issued without gum, making preservation less of a headache. The '49 Church souvenir sheet is, in my opinion, grossly undervalued, and a likely candidate for hoarding and price manipulation in the not-too-distant future.

With 191 million people, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and the world's eighth largest. Political and economic reforms have given the country a brighter future than it had in the bad old days of oligarchical dictatorship. The Brazilian economy is diverse, the country is aggressively investing in its future by generously funding technological research and education, and exports are booming. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 5% over the last 5 years.

There are a number of undervalued Brazilian issues with printing quantities of 10,000 to 100,000, some of which have topical appeal, and recommending them for accumulation seems a no-brainer. Brazil looks destined to become an economic superpower, and even if it mirrors the philatelically anemic U.S. and only one out of a thousand Brazilians become serious stamp collectors and one out of a fifty become "non-serious" ones, they'll be competing for their nation's better stamps, only to find that the cupboard is bare.
Note: I've never seen a First Day Cover of #687a, and it's possible that they are rare, because the sheet was issued without gum.
I have recently published a buy list for stamps and souvenir sheets of Brazil, including this issue. Viewing dealers' buy lists is an excellent way to keep abreast of the stamp market.
Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are welcome to join the Facebook "Stampselectors" group. The group currently has over 1,600 members who engage in trading and lively discussion about the stamp market and practical issues related to stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Saar 1928 Paintings Semi-postals (Scott #B9-15)

The Saar is a region of Germany with a checkered history that was marred by two world wars. Following World War I, it was occupied and governed by Britain and France from 1920 to 1935 under a League of Nations mandate, with the occupation originally being under the auspices of the Treaty of Versailles. It was returned to Germany following a plebiscite held in 1935. After World War II, the region became a French protectorate until 1955, when a referendum ended French rule and shortly thereafter returned it once again to Germany.

During the Mandate and French Protectorate periods, Saar issued its own stamps, the scarcest of which are of interest from an investment perspective because of their appeal to collectors of Germany and Area and France and Area- two powerful philatelic markets.


A number of Saar's semi-postal sets and souvenir sheets are attractive, including the third semi-postal set picturing paintings with religous themes (Scott #B9-15). Only 15,000 of this beautiful Art/Religion topical were issued, and the key 10fr +10fr high value (Scott #B15) is often sold alone. Scott '10 values the set at $ 480.00 for unused, and I recommend purchasing either the set or the high value (Sc. 10 CV= $ 400.00) in either VF NH or VF LH condition.


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Stamp Investment Tip: Bolivia 1960 Gate of the Sun set

In 1960, Bolivia issued a beautiful set of stamps featuring various prehistoric gods and ornaments from the Tiahuanacu excavations (Scott # 433-50). Printed on a gold background, the "Gate of the Sun" set was initially intended for dual use, with some of the high values to be issued as airmails, but the overprints failed to include the word "Aereo." Only 6,500 sets were issued.

The set is one of many examples of Latin American sets with very low printing quantities and an increasing collector base, which are therefore grossly undervalued. Not only will it benefit from economic growth and a growing middle class in Bolivia, but it's the kind of issue over which Art topical collectors drool.

This issue tends to have mediocre centering. When purchasing a set, make sure that all of the values are centered Fine or better, especially the key 4000b on 4b Gray (Scott #449).