Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 1994 Minerals Souvenir Sheet (Scott #422a)

In 1994, Azerbaijan issued a souvenir sheet picturing minerals (Scott #422a). 50,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $ 3.50.

The issue has appeal to both collectors of Azerbaijan and Minerals topicalists, and is an inexpensive bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.


Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 21% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 1994 Aliyev 70th Birthday Souvenir Sheet (Scott #394b, 394c)

 In 1993, Azerbaijan issued two souvenir sheets celebrating the 70th birthday of President Heydar Aliev (Scott # 394b, 394c). The scarcer of the two sheets (Scott #394b) contains a spelling error: the President's birth city, Naxcivan, is mispelled "Haxcivan" on the map pictured on the second stamp. 4,000 of the error sheet and 25,000 of the normal sheet (Scott #394c- pair from sheet shown) were issued, and Scott '14 prices them at $90.-  and $15.- , respectively.

I believe that both sheets are worth accumulating, although the error sheet is the more promising of the two. It's worth keeping an eye out for the error sheet mis-classified as the normal one.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

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: Azerbaijan 1994 Olympic Committee Centennial (Scott #474-76)

  In 1994, Azerbaijan issued a set of three stamps celebrating the centennial of the International Olympic Committee (Scott #474-76). 30,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $3.00.
  
The set has obvious topical appeal for Sports/Olympics topicalists, as well as being an inexpensive bet on the growth of Azerbaijan's economy. Recommending it 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 2007 Polar Bear Souvenir Sheets (Scott #860a, 861)

In 2007, Azerbaijan issued two souvenir sheets picturing Polar Bears (Scott #860a, 861). 10,000 of the first and 30,000 of the second were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheets at $ 15.00 and $ 6.00, respectively.

The topic selection is a bit asinine, since Polar Bears are not native to Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, these sheets make interesting and low-risk speculations based on their appeal as Animal topicals, and as  bets on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

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: Azerbaijan 2005 Bees Souvenir Sheet (Scott #803)

In 2005, Azerbaijan issued a colorful souvenir sheet featuring bees (Scott #803). Only 25,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $ 7.50 . 

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Animal/Insects topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

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: Azerbaijan 2003 Sheki National Park Souvenir Sheet (Scott #766)

In 2003, Azerbaijan issued a souvenir sheet featuring animals from Sheki National Park (Scott #766 ). 25,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $13.00 .

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Animal topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer should take a look at the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 2000 Reptiles Miniature Sheet (Scott #709)

In 2000, Azerbaijan issued a miniature sheet of four stamps picturing native reptiles (Scott #709). 25,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused sheet at $6.50 .

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Animal topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.


Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer should take a look at the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 2001 Olympic Medalists Souvenir Sheet (Scott #713)

In January of 2001, Azerbaijan issued a flashy souvenir sheet honoring the Azerbaijani Olympic medalists of the Sydney, Australia Olympics of the previous year (Scott #713). 25,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $5.75.

The sheet has obvious topical appeal for Sports and Olympics collectors, as well as being an inexpensive bet on the growth of Azerbaijan's economy. Recommending it 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan Aquarium Fish Souvenir Sheet (Scott #743)

In 2002, Azerbaijan issued an attractive and humorous souvenir sheet picturing aquarium fish (Scott #743). Only 20,000 of this Animal topical sheet were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $10.00.

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Animal topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.


Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 21% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer should take a look at the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,400 entries.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 1998 Chess Championship Issue (678A-79, 680-81)

It is common knowledge among marketers of new issue stamps that combining two or more popular topics in a single issue can significantly enhance its demand among topical collectors. Were it feasible to issue a stamp or souvenir sheet featuring Elvis playing Baseball with Gandhi and Lady Diana on the Moon, with astronauts in the outfield, in the midst of birds, butterflies, flowers, and fish, then topical stamp collections might eventually come to resemble accumulations of outsider art created by schizophrenics in insane asylums.

In 1998, Azerbaijan presented the philatelic world with a taste of such madness by combining two utterly unrelated popular topics (Chess and Disney) on sets of stamps (Scott #678A-79) and souvenir sheets (Scott #680-81) honoring the World Rapid Chess Championship. The first set is actually a set of nine stamps, because #679 is a sheet of 8 different stamps picturing Disney characters. Though the issue may seem inane, investing in it does not necessarily mean that one is as stupid as "Goofy" or "Dumbo." Only 13,000 of each set was issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused sets at $51.90 and $50.00, respectively.

Both sets make interesting and low-risk speculations based on their appeal as ridiculous combined Chess/Disney topicals, and as bets on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.


Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 21% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Stamp Investment Tip: 2005 Azerbaijan Orchids Souvenir Sheet (Scott #792a)

In 2005, Azerbaijan issued a set and souvenir sheet picturing Orchids (Scott #789-92 and 792a). 20,000 sets and 10,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 prices them each unused at $6.75. Both make interesting and low-risk speculations based on their appeal as Flower topicals, and as bets on the economic growth of Azerbaijan 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.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 21% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.