Stamp Investment Tip: Mexico 1940 Stamp Centenary (Scott #754-58, C103-07)

In 1940, Mexico issued a compound set celebrating the Centenary of the Postage Stamp (Scott #754-58, C103-07). Only 5,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values the unused set at $ 141.00 ($ 340.00 for NH). Aside from the fact that this is a scarce set from a rapidly developing country, demand for it is augmented by its appeal as a "Stamps-on-Stamps" topical.


I've never seen a first day cover for this issue, but I'd guess that there are probably a few hundred of them around. If you happen to find one in decent shape, with a nice cachet, and selling for a slight premium over the cost of a used set (or less), then jump on it.


With a population of about 109 million, Mexico has experienced consistent annual GDP growth of between 3 and 5%. It has a diverse and developing economy, but modernization remains a slow and uneven process, and current challenges include addressing income inequality, crime, and corruption, upgrading the infrastructure, and reforming tax and labor laws. 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.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. The first such buy list is for Mexico, and 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 Tips: Mexico 1934 University Issue (Scott 698-706/C54-61/RA138)

In 1934, Mexico issued a beautiful compound set of stamps honoring its National University (Scott #698-706/C54-61/RA138). Showcasing Mexico's Aztec heritage in Art Deco style, it's rather pricey, so the constituent sets are usually sold individually (and even as individual values). 1,300 of the regular issue and 1,500 of the Airmail sets were sold, and the regular issue (Scott # 698-706) has a Scott '10 Catalog Value of $ 1,736.00 unused ($ 2,400.00 for NH) while the Air set (Scott #C54-61) is valued at $ 1,617.00 unused ($ 2,600.00 for NH). The postal tax stamp (Scott #RA138) is common.

I feel that the sets are grossly undervalued despite their apparent costliness, and should do very well in the years to come. Individual high values also are attractive: the 10p and 20p top values (706 and C61) with printings of 1,300 and 1,500, respectively (Scott Catalog Values of

$ 1,100.00 and $ 1,250.00), the 5p Offering to the Gods (Scott #705- 2,000 issued; $ 325.00), and the 5p and 10p Airs (Scott #C59 and C60; 3,000 and 2,500 issued; $ 75.00 and $ 240.00).

With a population of about 109 million, Mexico has experienced consistent annual GDP growth of between 3 and 5%. It has a diverse and developing economy, but modernization remains a slow and uneven process, and current challenges include addressing income inequality and corruption, upgrading the infrastructure, and reforming tax and labor laws. 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.

Note that a rare unwatermarked variety exists of the 10p Aztec Worshiper (Scott #706a), of which only 200 were issued. Scott values the variety at $ 3,250.00 unused ($ 5,000.00 for NH) . Should you decide to cough up for one, it could certainly become one of the crown jewels of your philatelic investment portfolio.