Stamp Investment Tip: French Equatorial Africa 1944 Liberation Surcharge (Scott #B12-21)

The important role played by African members of the French Resistance has long been neglected, but it is important to note that some of the first to support the movement were overseas territories in North Africa.

In 1944, French Equatorial Africa overprinted some of its 1941 issues to produce a semi-postal set for which the excess non-postal funds were used to support the French Resistance (Scott #B12-21). Only 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $198.00.

The set strongly appeals to French Colonies collectors, as well as World War II topicalists. Furthermore, since the former colony of French Equatorial Africa was granted independence and divided to form the current nations of Chad, Congo, Gabon, and Central African Republic, the set makes an interesting emerging market play as well.

 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: Gabon 1932-33 Scenes (Scott #132-47)

Between 1932 and '33, the French issued a long "scenes" set for Gabon (Scott #132-47). As with many of the sets that they issued for their African colonies, the set was beautifully engraved, and the vast majority were probably used as postage and discarded. 25,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $224.35 .


The set should do well based upon increasing demand for French Colonies, but it also make an interesting play on Gabon as a developing economy. With a population of 1.5 million, Gabon has a per capita income of four times the average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The low population density together with abundant natural resources and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in the region. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% 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 at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.  

Stamp Investment Tip: Gabon 1886 Surcharges (Scott #1-5)

In 1886, Gabon, then a French colony, issued its first postage stamps, by handstamping surcharges on French Colonies general issue stamps of 1881-86 (Scott #1-5). All five stamps are scarce, and as with most valuable overprinted issues, should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization. I've listed the stamps, along with their printing quantities and Scott '10 Catalog Values below:

- 1886 5c on 20c Red on green (Scott #1; 900: $ 525.00 unused, $425.00 used)

- 1886 10c on 20c Red on green (Scott #2; 900;$ 525.00 unused, $425.00 used)

- 1886 25c on 20c Red on green (Scott #3; 10,500; $ 87.50 unused; $75.00 used)

- 1886 50c on 15c Blue (Scott #4; 300; $ 1,450.00 unused, $ 1,900.00 used)

- 1886 75c on 15c Blue (Scott #5; 300; $ 1,800.00 unused, $ 2,000.00 used)

Stamps of this issue tend to have terrible centering, so try to select examples which are centered Fine or better, if possible, or else discount for average centering. Mediocre centering is commonplace for many early stamps of the French Colonies, to such an extent that Average-centered stamps are often called "Fine for issue."

These stamps should do well based upon increasing demand for French Colonies, but they also make an interesting play on Gabon as a developing economy. With a population of 1.5 million, Gabon has a per capita income of four times the average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The low population density together with abundant natural resources and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in the region. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% over the last 5 years.