Stamp Investment Tip: Philippines 1932 Von Gronau Flight Overprint (Scott #C36-45)

 In 1932, the Philippines, then under U.S. administration, overprinted stamps from its Scenes issue of that year for use on the round-the-world flight of Captain Wolfgang von Gronau (Scott #C36-45). 25,305 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $29.- ($44.25 for NH).

   The set has potential multiple market appeal among collectors of Philippines, U.S. Possessions, Aerophilately, and in Germany, due to interest in  von Gronau. While I sometimes recommend obtaining expertization when buying overprinted stamps, this set is an exception because it's too inexpensive to fake.

As a newly democratic country of 92 million which is moving away from from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines could turn out to be one of the most successful emerging markets in the Pacific Region. The government tends toward fiscal conservatism coupled with long-term economic planning, and annual GDP growth has been around 6%-7%. Barring extreme political instability, it is likely that the Philippines will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next decades.

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Stamp Investment Tip: Hawaii 1857-61 Kamehameha III (Scott 8-9)

Hawaii was an independent kingdom before the contrived planter's rebellion that  resulted in its annexation by the U.S. in 1893. During both periods, it issued many interesting and scarce stamps.

In 1857 and 1861, Hawaii issued two 5c stamps of identical design picturing King Kamehameha III, but on slightly different papers: the 1857 issue on thin white wove paper (Scott #8), and the 1861 issue on thin bluish wove paper (Scott #9). 10,000 of #8 and 20,000 of #9 were issued, and Scott '13 catalogs them unused at $700.- and $375.-, respectively.

I recommend purchase of both stamps, either unused or used. Condition and lack of gum are sometimes problematic with stamps that are over 150 years old, so I'd advise seeking examples that have original gum and are F-VF or better (with four decent margins). If buying examples with minor faults or no gum, then select for appearance and discount accordingly.

It is surprising that there are still many undervalued stamps of Hawaii, given that it's the most popular U.S. Possession among U.S. collectors, and that it is an important cultural and economic nexus between the U.S. and the Far East.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) provides a venue 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: Canal Zone 1939 Pan-Am Clipper (Scott #C15-20)

In 1939, the Canal Zone issued a set of six airmails picturing scenes of Pan American Clipper planes flying over the Panama Canal (Scott #C15-20). The set commemorated the 10th Anniversary of C.Z. airmail service, and the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal. 40,051 sets were issued, but these were in use for less than 2 years, as the sets were withdrawn in early 1941, and the remainders destroyed. Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 86.00 .

Stamps of the Canal Zone are popular among U.S. Possessions collectors, and should continue to do well as interest both in this collecting area and in Latin America grows.

Readers who are on Facebook are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group, which focuses upon philatelic investing, the stamp market, and practical matters regarding buying and selling stamps. It also offers the opportunity to comment upon this blog and suggest future stamp investment tips.

Stamp Investment Tip: Puerto Rico 1898 Provisional Issues (Scott #200-201)

During the Spanish American War, U.S. troops landed at Guanica Bay in Puerto Rico, and mail service was established under General Wilson, the acting governor of the conquered territory. Crude provisional stamps were issued at La Playa de Ponce and Coamo in 1898 (Scott #200 and 201).

The Ponce Issue (Scott #200) was a violet 5c handstamp applied to envelopes, while the Coamo Issue (Scott #201) was an imperforate stamp, of which four types exist, as described in Scott. Quantities issued of the Ponce Issue are unknown, but in all probability, fewer than 100 were produced. About 500 of the Coamo stamps were issued. Scott '12 prices the Ponce stamp unused at $7,500.00 , and the Coamo stamps unused at between $ 650.00 and $850.00, and the used stamps between $1,050.00 and $1,350.00, depending upon type. Blocks of four of the Coamo stamps showing all four types exist, as do complete sheets of ten.

These rather boring-looking stamps appeal to collectors of U.S. Possessions, Puerto Rico, and Latin America. They're offered at auction on occasion, and should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization, since dangerous counterfeits exist. Based on the projected growth in demand for U.S. Possessions stamps alone, they may be considered conservative investments. Should demand for stamps of Puerto Rico increase dramatically, then they will outperform this expectation.

With about 3.7 million people, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, with an economy that is one of the most diverse in the Caribbean region. In addition to the island's population, there are also approximately 3.8 million Puerto Ricans living in the Continental U.S.. Services and industrial production have surpassed agriculture as the primary focus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the U.S. and by tax incentives, United States firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island. Due to immense debt problems and problems associated with Puerto Rico's status, annual GDP has actually declined by about 2.5% per year over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hawaii 1893 Red Provisional Government Overprints (Scott #53-64)

In 1893, following the contrived planter's rebellion that ultimately resulted in Hawaii's annexation by the U.S., Hawaii overprinted some of its earlier 1883-86 Kingdom stamps for use by its new provisional government (Scott #53-64). Many of the stamps of this set are scarce and undervalued, and #61B is rare. I've listed the better stamps, along with their Scott '11 values for unused and printing quantities, below:

• -1893 1c Purple (Scott #53; Scott ' 11CV = $9.00- $21.50NH ; 62,500 issued)
• -1893 1c Blue (Sc. #54; SCV = $9.00-$21.50 NH ; 75,000 issued)
• -1893 2c Brown (Sc.#56; SCV= $12.00-$28.50 NH:37,500 issued)
• -1893 5c Deep Indigo (Sc.#58; SCV=$13.00- $32.00 NH : 46,350 issued)
• -1893 6c Green (Sc. #60; SCV = $17.50-$40.00 NH : 39,950 issued)
• -1893 10c Black (Sc. #61; SCV=$13.00- $30.00 NH ; 50,000 issued)
• -1893 10c Red Brown (Sc. #61B; SCV= $ 14,000.00; 50 issued)
• -1893 12c Black (Sc. #62; SCV= $12.00-$30.00 NH : 20,831 issued)
• -1893 12c Red Lilac (Sc. #63;SCV= $ 165.00- $400.00 NH;7,500 issued)
• -1893 25c Dark Violet (Sc. #64; SCV=$32.00- $72.00 NH ; 25,000 issued)

It is surprising that there are still many undervalued stamps of Hawaii, given that it's the most popular U.S. Possession among U.S. collectors, and that it is an important cultural and economic nexus between the U.S. and the Far East.

Many of the definitives of the Kingdom Period and the later Provisional Government overprints may be found well centered. As the P.S.E. (Professional Stamp Experts organization) now grades U.S. Possessions stamps, I advise selecting for condition and centering when purchasing them. Should the current grading fetish persist, Hawaiian stamps that grade XF-90 or higher will sell at auction for multiples of their catalog value.

Stamp Investment Tip: Canal Zone 1939 Views (Scott #120-35)

In 1939, the U.S. issued an attractive set of sixteen stamps for the Canal Zone featuring views of the Panama Canal (Scott #120-35). 34,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $164.65.

Many of the better stamps of the Canal Zone are overprints or overprint varieties. This set has a more general appeal than most. It is likely that quite a few were used as postage and discarded, and I would not be surprised if fewer than ten thousand sets remain, in any condition.

Stamps of the Canal Zone are popular among U.S. Possessions collectors, and should continue to do well as interest both in this collecting area and in Latin America grows.

Readers who are on Facebook are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group. To find it, simply enter "StampSelectors" in Facebook's search box, and then click on the search symbol (a magnifying glass) to the right of the box. The group focuses upon philatelic investing, the stamp market, and practical matters regarding buying and selling stamps. It also offers the opportunity to comment upon this blog and suggest future stamp investment tips.

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: Hawaii 1893 Black Provisional Government Overprints (Scott #65-73)

In 1893, following the contrived planter's rebellion that ultimately resulted in Hawaii's annexation by the U.S., Hawaii overprinted some of its earlier 1883-86 Kingdom stamps for use by its new provisional government (Scott #65-73). All stamps of this set with the exception of #66 are scarce and undervalued, and #66C is rare. I've listed the better stamps, along with their Scott '11 values for unused and printing quantities, below:

-1893 2c Rose Vermilion (Scott #65; Sc. '11 CV =$80.00-$200.00 NH ; 6,250 issued)
-1893 6c Green (Scott #66C; Sc. '11 CV = $14,000.00 ; 50 issued)
-1893 10c Vermilion (Scott #67; Sc.'11 CV= $ 20.00-$50.00 NH; 25,000 issued)
-1893 10c Red Brown (Scott #68: Sc. '11 CV= $ 10.00-$25.00 NH ; 31,200 issued)
-1893 12c Red Lilac (Scott #69; Sc. '11 CV = $325.00-$525.00 NH ; 3,750 issued)
-1893 15c Red Brown (Scott #70; Sc.'11 CV= $25.00-$55.00 NH ; 20,000 issued)
-1893 18c Dull Rose (Scott #71; Sc. '11 CV= $35.00-$75.00 NH ; 5,830 issued)
-1893 50c Red (Scott #72; Sc.'11 CV = $80.00-$175.00 NH ; 11,499 issued)
-1893 $1 Rose Red (Scott #73; Sc.'11 CV=$140.00- $300.00 NH ; 6,099 issued)

Despite the fact that these are overprints, it's not necessary to purchase them conditional on obtaining expertization, because the basic Kingdom stamps are never significantly less expensive than the overprints (in fact, they are generally more expensive). The 6c Green (Scott #66C), is the notable exception to this rule.


It is surprising that there are still many undervalued stamps of Hawaii, given that it is the most popular U.S. Possession among U.S. collectors, and that it is an important cultural and economic nexus between the U.S. and the Far East.

Many of the definitives of the Kingdom Period and the later Provisional Government overprints may be found quite well centered. As the P.S.E. (Professional Stamp Experts organization) now grades U.S. Possessions stamps, I advise selecting for condition and centering when purchasing them. Should the current grading fetish persist, Hawaiian stamps that grade XF-90 or higher will sell at auction for multiples of their catalog value.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hawaii 1883-86 Definitives (Scott #42-49)

Between 1883 and 1886, the Kingdom of Hawaii issued a set of definitives picturing members of its royal family (Scott #42-49). Only 17,350 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values the unused set at $ 797.75 ($ 1,884.- for NH).

It is surprising that there are still many undervalued stamps of Hawaii, given that it is the most popular U.S. Possession among U.S. collectors, and that it is an important cultural and economic nexus between the U.S. and the Far East.

Many of the definitives of the Kingdom Period and the later Provisional Government overprints may be found quite well centered. As the P.S.E. (Professional Stamp Experts organization) now grades U.S. Possessions stamps, I advise selecting for condition and centering when purchasing them. Should the current grading fetish persist, Hawaiian stamps that grade XF-90 or higher will sell at auction for multiples of their catalog value.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hawaii 1896 Official Set (Scott #O1-6)

In 1896, Hawaii issued a set of official stamps (Scott #O1-6) honoring Lorin Andrews Thurston, a politician and businessman who played a pivotal role in a classic 19th century American land-grab, the overthrow of Queen Lili'ukalani and the transformation of Hawaii from an independent kingdom into a U.S.-dominated republic. 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '09 prices the unused set at $ 267.50 ($ 665.00 for NH). The stamps were in use for three years, until shortly after the annexation of Hawaii as a U.S. territory in 1898, and some saw use during the Spanish-American War, when Hawaii served as a coaling stop for ships en route to the Philippines. The remainder of the supply was sold to a speculator, and it is probable that demand for the set was dampened by the view that the stamps were produced in part to exploit collectors.

Stamps of Hawaii are popular among U.S. Possessions collectors, and, of course, on the islands themselves. In the film "Chinatown", the villain played by John Huston comments that "politicians, old buildings, and prostitutes all become respectable with age." The same might be said for this set, as the shadow hanging over it has all but disappeared.

Stamp Investment Tip: Guam

Guam, an island in the South Pacific, is a territory of the United States which was ceded by Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris which concluded the Spanish-American War (1898).

I recommend every stamp which was ever issued for Guam, as all were issued in low quantities, and are eagerly sought by U.S. Possessions collectors. There are not very many stamp-issuing entities for which I'd tip every stamp issued, but in the case of Guam, an investor could do very well by forming an entire collection.

The twenty-five basic stamps of Guam comprise two separate issues: the 1899 "GUAM" Overprints on U.S. Stamps (Scott #1-13, E1), and the 1930 Guam Guard Mail Issue (Scott #M1-11). Printing quantities range from 1,000 for Scott #M3 to 105,000 for Scott #2, and are noted in the Scott Specialized U.S. Catalog. The scarcest basic stamps are Scott #9 and #13, but scarce to rare varieties also exist among the Guard Mail issues.

As most of these stamps have overprints, the better ones should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization. Centering of stamps of the 1899 issue tends to be mediocre, so consider getting a graded certificate from the Professional Stamp Experts (P.S.E.) or Philatelic Foundation for VF-XF or better examples.