Stamp Investment Tip: Rwanda 1966 Flowers (Scott #151-60)

In 1966, Rwanda issued a pretty set of ten stamps picturing Native Flowers (Scott #151-60). 35,000 sets were issued and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $14.10.

The set has potential market appeal among collectors of Flower Topicals, Rwanda, and Belgian Colonies/Area. According to a recent survey, Flowers are the 5th most popular topical collecting category among U.S. collectors, and it's likely that this popularity is roughly the same internationally.


While I do not believe that Rwanda will develop a significant domestic stamp collecting base in the near future, I am more sanguine about the prospect long-term. A nation of 10.7 million people, Rwanda received considerable international attention due to its 1994 genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed. Since then, the country has made a recovery and is now considered a model for developing countries. In 2009, a CNN report labeled Rwanda as Africa's biggest success story, having achieved stability and economic growth. The country is still largely dependent upon agriculture, with coffee and tea being the main exports, although the government has taken an active role in bolstering a growing manufacturing sector. Average income has tripled in the past ten years, and annual GDP growth has been impressive, averaging over 7% over the last five years.

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: Rwanda 1967 Birds Issue (Scott #239-48)

In 1967, Rwanda issued an attractive Birds set (Scott #239-48). 37,500 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it at $18.40 for unused. Animals on stamps are among the most popular of topicals, and increasing in popularity. Also, as a former Belgian colony, Rwanda has some appeal among collectors of Belgium and Area.

While I do not believe that Rwanda will develop a significant domestic stamp collecting base in the near future, I am more sanguine about the prospect long-term. A nation of 10.7 million people, Rwanda received considerable international attention due to its 1994 genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed. Since then, the country has made a recovery and is now considered a model for developing countries. In 2009, a CNN report labeled Rwanda as Africa's biggest success story, having achieved stability and economic growth. The country is still largely dependent upon agriculture, with coffee and tea being the main exports, although the government has taken an active role in bolstering a growing manufacturing sector. Average income has tripled in the past ten years, and annual GDP growth has been impressive, averaging almost 7% over the last five years.

Information concerning printing quantities of stamps is often useful in determining which may turn out to be good investments. The StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List (SSSSQIL) currently includes over 9,700 listings of stamps and souvenir sheets with issuance quantities of 100,000 or less.