Stamp Investment Tip: Panama 1956 Popes (Scott #403Note)

  In 1956, Panama issued a set of twelves stamps picturing various popes (Scott #403Note). The quantity issued is not known; however, I would guess that no more than a few thousand sets were issued. Scott '14 prices the unused set at $100.- .

   The set was not intended to be used as postage, and consequently Scott notes it but does not assign it a catalog number. Despite this, it has obvious appeal as a Religion topical.

  As with all Latin American stamps, there are many collectors who focus on the region as a whole, which supplements demand for the stamps of the individual countries.

   A nation of 3.4 million people, Panama is the fastest growing economy and the largest consumer per capita in Central America. Panama's economy, because of its key geographic location, is mainly based on a well developed service sector heavily weighted towards banking, commerce, tourism, trading. The handover of the Canal and military installations by the United States has given rise to large construction projects. Tourism has grown rapidly during the past 5 years due to the government offering tax and price discounts to foreign guests and retirees. The country also has valuable copper and gold deposits, which are beginning to be developed. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 7% over the last 5 years.

   "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've  posted a buy list for Panama. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.
  

Stamp Investment Tip: Hungary 1938 Eucharistic Congress Souvenir Sheet (Scott #B94)

 In 1938, Hungary issued a semi-postal souvenir sheet honoring the Eucharistic Congress, which was held that year in Budapest (Scott #B94). 100,000 were issued, and Scott '14  prices the unused souvenir sheet at $50.00.

  The souvenir sheet has obvious appeal as a Religion/Christianity topical, and should also profit from Hungary's future economic growth.

While recent economic reversals in Europe have hurt the stamp market there, I feel that for most of the countries, the situation is unpleasant but short-term. In the meantime, there are opportunities to pick up bargains, and scarce items with topical appeal are worth considering.


After a difficult transition from a centrally-controlled economy to capitalism, Hungary has experienced moderate economic growth until it was impacted by the 2008-09 financial crisis. As a result of the global financial mess, GDP growth has been almost flat over the past five years. As the newest member of the European Union, this nation of 10 million receives nearly a third of all direct investment flowing into Eastern Europe. Agriculture, metallurgy and mining, and tourism are major components of the economy.

  The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum 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: Spain 1938 Battle of Lepanto Souvenir Sheets (Scott #B108M-B108N, B108O-B108P)

   In 1938, the Nationalist forces under General Francisco Franco were winning over the Republicans fighting the Spanish Civil War, and several semi-postal souvenir sheets were issued which emphasized the Nationalists' patriotism, and ties to the Catholic Church. Among these were four souvenir sheetsm each containing one stamp, commemorating the Battle of Lepanto, a decisive naval battle in which Spain and other states decisively defeated the main fleet of the Ottoman Empire. 45,000 sets of two perforated sheets and 5,000 sets of two imperforate versions were issued (Scott #B108M-B108N, B108O-B108P), and and Scott '14 prices them unused at $45.- ($77.50 for NH) and $800.- ($1,300.- for NH), respectively.

    The sheets should do well based on the growth of stamp collector demand in Spain, as well as among Religion, Military/Naval, and Ship topicalists. 

    I strongly favor all scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe, a trend which favors the growth of stamp collecting. Spain was hit by the global financial crisis and its annual GDP growth has been flat for five years, though the economy is beginning to recover.

   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: Colombia 1954 St. Peter Clavier Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C258a)

  In 1954, Colombia issued a souvenir sheet honoring the 300th Anniversary of St. Peter Clavier's death (Scott #C258a). 10,000 sheets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused sheet at $8.00.

   The sheet has appeal as a Religion topical and an Art/Architecture topical. It is grossly undervalued.

A nation of 45 million people, Colombia has been plagued by decades of serious internal armed conflict, drug trafficking, corruption, and gross inequities of income, but has nevertheless racked up annual GDP growth averaging over 4% over the last 5 years. Moreover, until the global financial fiasco cut its GDP growth to 3% in 2009, it had been steadily accelerating, from 2% in 2003 to 8% in 2008. Recently, the government, armed to the teeth by the U.S., has applied a dual policy of combining military pressure with negotiations to cope with the various guerrilla factions within the country. This seems to have worked to some extent, as the number of insurgents has been halved, and the number of homicides and kidnappings drastically reduced. While some argue that the Colombian government is still utterly corrupt, and has violated human rights and supported paramilitary death squads in order to achieve relative peace, it may be that this is par for the course, given the nation's history. A dialogue between the Colombian government and guerrillas of the FARC-EP began in 2012 with the aim to find a political solution to the armed conflict. The Colombian government and rebel groups met in Cuba, and as of November 2013, the talks have been promising. The Government also began a process of assistance and reparation for victims of conflict.The main challenge that the country faces will be that of sharing more of the wealth with the majority of the population so as to develop more of a middle class and political center. Otherwise, it will devolve into a violent, unstable mess.

"The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Colombia. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep up with the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Portuguese India 1952 Stamp Exhibition strip (Scott 520-21,523a)

   Both the Portuguese and the French held some territory in India, while the British dominated the rest of it. Both of the lesser colonial powers in India issued stamps which are, for the most part, neglected by Indian collectors, and which have potential multiple market appeal in India, their home countries, and among collectors of European colonies. Interestingly, the Portuguese held out the longest of the three, and issued stamps for their colony until India seized it in 1961, ending the occupation. It's not the only time that obsolescent imperial visions of grandeur have benefited philatelists.

   In 1952, Portuguese India issued two souvenir sheets and a strip of two + label to celebrate its first stamp exhibition (Scott #522-23, 523a). The souvenir sheets picture St. Francis Xavier and his tomb, while the strip contains a one stamp picturing the saint and another picturing Portuguese India's first stamp. 30,000 of each were issued and Scott '14 prices the sheets and the strip unused at $29.00 and $25.00 respectively.

   These items have additional market appeal among collectors of India, Portuguese Colonies, and collectors of Religion and Stamp-on-Stamp topicals.

   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: Spain 1938 Cathedrals Souvenir Sheets (Scott #B108E, B108Ej)

   In 1938, the Nationalist forces under General Francisco Franco were winning over the Republicans fighting the Spanish Civil War, and several semi-postal souvenir sheets were issued which emphasized the Nationalists' patriotism and close ties to the Catholic Church. Among these were two souvenir sheets picturing Spanish cathedrals, a perforated sheet of four and an imperforate version (Scott #B108E and B108Ej). 70,000 of the perforated sheet and 30,000 of the imperforate sheet were issued, and Scott '14 prices them unused at $42.50  and $72.50, respectively.

    The sheets should do well based on the growth of stamp collecting in Spain, as well as among  Art/Architecture and Religion topicalists. 

    I strongly favor all scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe, a trend which favors the growth of stamp collecting. Spain was hit by the global financial crisis and its annual GDP growth has been flat for five years, though the economy is beginning to recover.

   Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.   

  

Phila-Trivia: S. A. Taylor and the Mormon Stamp Hoax

   By the 1860s, stamp collecting had already become a very popular hobby, and many countries issued their first stamps during this period, fueling  interest further.  John Walter Scott published his first stamp catalog in 1868, a 21-page pamphlet with the long-winded title "Descriptive Catalogue of American and Foreign Postage Stamps, Issued from 1840 to Date, Splendidly Illustrated with Colored Engravings and Containing the Current Value of each Variety." 

S.A. Taylor

      One of the more colorful individuals who gravitated toward the absurd new fad of collecting bits of colored paper, and even paying good money for them, was Samuel Allan Taylor (1838-1913). Taylor was one of the pioneers of stamp collecting in the U.S. and published the first North American stamp journal, "The Stamp Collector's Record." He was also a notorious producer of bogus stamps, known as 'the Master Grafter', and was the leader of the 'Boston Gang' of philatelic forgers.

    He was at the height of his fraudulent career between 1863 and '79, and for one of his productions, a fictitious U.S. local, used his own portrait in the design. Many of Taylor's creations were obvious fakes. He had a keen sense of humor, evident in many stamps he produced, and he was partly an artist and partly a cynical faker who thrived in his profession. Taylor once said that he was "a man of flexible conscience and  speculative disposition." He contended that his output was for use as "space-fillers," the genuine stamps being too expensive for the average collector. He circulated his stamps widely and his patrons paid little for most of them, but he could work up a a very deceptive job when in the mood.

   Among Taylor's least convincing forgeries were imitations of two stamps of the Confederacy: one of the 1862 2c Blue, picturing a simian Jefferson Davis, and another of the 1863 2c Brown Red, with a depressed Andrew Jackson. 

   In 1863, an article appeared in "The Stamp Collector's Magazine" describing a stamp issued in 1852 by Mormon leader Brigham Young for prepaying postage to and from Salt Lake City and the rest of the Utah Territory. According to the article, "This and some other attempts at independent government on the part of Brigham Young and his followers caused the Washington authorities to dispatch a military force to the Great Salt Lake for the purpose of restoring order and allegiance. It met with but ill success, however."

   The stamps were printed in several colors, and bear a crude, block-printed likeness of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints. In 1864, postal authorities confiscated covers franked with these stamps bound for England. In December of that year, Taylor published an article in his journal admitting that they were "facsimiles" and included an illustration of his creations. When Brigham Young was interviewed about the matter,  he responded that he "had never thought of issuing a postage stamp." One can only speculate as to the identity of the source of the 1863 article which attributed some legitimacy and historical significance to the stamps, as to who tried to create canceled covers bearing them, and whether, after the government intervened, Taylor was motivated by fear of being thrown in prison to admit to creating the stamps as "facsimiles." In any case, this brazen attempt to rewrite history failed.

   I've recently read that these fakes, which may be considered "Cinderellas", sell for around $10.- to $15.- each. They'd make interesting additions to a Mormon topical collection. The stamps have potential dual market appeal to collectors of Cinderellas and Religion/Mormonism topicals, as fantasy stamps related to a religion of which there are over 15 million adherents worldwide. Assuming that no more than a few hundred of each remain, they could actually be good investments.

  The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum 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: Italian States-Roman States 1852 50b and 1sc Papal Arms (Scott #10-11)

      Prior to the unification of Italy, it was divided into a number of independent states, known as the Italian States, most of which issued their own stamps. The Papal, or Roman, States, under the direct rule of the Pope, issued stamps from 1852 to 1868. The  Roman States were the last of the feudal principalities to be
incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy when the Italians annexed them after France abandoned its garrisons in Rome during the disastrous Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

   As with stamps of the German States, Italian States philately is a minefield laden with an abundance of reprints, fakes and forgeries.  Consequently, prices of Italian States stamps have lagged. With the exception of the rarities, many Italian States stamps often can be purchased in F-VF+ condition for 25%-35% of Scott. Better items which seem questionable should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization.

   Two Roman States stamps worth considering are the high values of the 1852 Papal Arms Issue, the 50b Dull Blue and the 1sc Rose (Scott #10-11). 50,000 of the 50b and 10,000 of the 1sc were issued, and Scott '14 prices them at $16,000.- unused and $1,800.00  used for the 50b and $4,000.- unused and $3,600.-  used for the 1sc.

   The 50b is a rarity in unused condition, well beyond the affordability of most collectors, so I recommend purchase of it in used condition. The 1sc may is worth buying either unused or used. In either case, I reiterate that these stamps should be purchased only on condition of obtaining expertization.

      The main attraction of better stamps of the Roman States, once the authenticity hurdle has been overcome, is their current multiple market appeal among collectors of the stamps of Italy, Italian States, and the Vatican, which is the Roman States' much-reduced modern remnant. Also, there is the potential for growth in the stamp collecting population among Catholics worldwide, of whom there are over 1.2 billion. Many live in developing countries in which the middle classes are expected to grow dramatically. All stamps of the Roman States and the Vatican may be viewed as Religion topicals, and these may be of interest to this new generation of collectors.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to view the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.
   

Stamp Investment Tip: Vatican 1952 Papal States 1st Stamp Centennial Souvenir Sheet (Scott #155a)

In 1952, the Vatican issued a stamp and souvenir sheet celebrating the centennial of the first stamp of the Papal States (Scott # 155, 155a). While the stamp is relatively common, only 102,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $140.00. The Papal States (or Roman States) issued stamps from 1852-68, and were among several Italian States which issued stamps prior to the unification of Italy.

The sheet has multiple market appeal among collectors of Vatican, Italy and Area, Transportation, and Stamp-on-stamp topicals. Also, better Vatican items in general should do well as the number of Catholic stamp collectors increases worldwide, especially since many live in emerging market countries.

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: Armenia 1997 1,700th Anniversary of Christianity in Armenia Souvenir Sheet (Scott #549)

In 1997, Armenia issued a set and souvenir sheet picturing Armenian churches and honoring 1,700 years of Christianity in Armenia (Scott 544-48, 549). 100,000 sets and 30,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices them unused at $7.50 and $ 5.00, respectively.

I recommend purchase of the souvenir sheet, as it is an attractive Religion and Art/Architecture topical and also appeals to Armenian nationalist sentiment.

Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.

Armenia, a nation of about 3.2 million, has made steady economic progress in the face of a number of obstacles, including its legacy of dependence on the Soviet Union as a centrally planned economy, a catastrophic earthquake, and an unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Major economic sectors include agriculture, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and mining, and new industries, such as precious stone processing and jewellery making, information and communication technology, and even tourism are beginning to develop. The economy is also bolstered by investment and support from 5.7 million Armenians living abroad. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% over the last 5 years, although this reflect a contraction of 14% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis.

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: Armenia 1995 Armenian Christianity Souvenir Sheet (Scott #492)

   In 1995, Armenia issued a souvenir sheet honoring 1,700 Years of Christianity in Armenia (Scott # 492). 30,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $5.50 .

   This inexpensive souvenir sheet is an attractive Religion topical.

   Many of the new and newly resurrected nations of Central Asia and Europe have issued quite a few stamps and souvenir sheets in very modest quantities, and some of these represent interesting opportunities for speculation for those who wish to "get in on the ground floor." As these countries have only recently begun issuing stamps, their collector populations are minimal, although they are unlikely to remain so, especially if the countries prosper. The best way to play them is to target popular topicals with low issuance quantities, as these will have worldwide appeal, whether interest in these countries' stamps grows significantly or not.

   Armenia, a nation of about 3.2 million, has made steady economic progress in the face of a number of obstacles, including its legacy of dependence on the Soviet Union as a centrally planned economy, a catastrophic earthquake, and an unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Major economic sectors include agriculture, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and mining, and new industries, such as precious stone processing and jewellery making, information and communication technology, and even tourism are beginning to develop. The economy is also bolstered by investment and support from 5.7 million Armenians living abroad. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, although this reflect a contraction of 14% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis.

  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: El Salvador 1937 Plane Over Panchimalco Church (Scott #C54-60)

  In 1937, El Salvador issued a set of seven airmail stamps picturing a plane over Panchimalco Church (Scott #C54-60). Built in 1725, the church is the oldest surviving colonial structure in El Salvador.15,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $7.40.

   The set has multiple market appeal among collectors of El Salvador, Latin America, and Religion topicals.

Over the last decade or so, a "stealth bull market" has developed for better Latin American material, especially for scarce issues with wide topical appeal. Supplies have been gradually depleted, and many items which formerly retailed for about 20%-30% of Scott are now selling for 60%-80%, and their catalog values have substantially increased as well. Frequently, Michel Values, which are usually much higher than Scott for Latin America, are used by auction houses when listing this material. As the region has cast aside its authoritarian dictatorships and become more democratic, it has experienced healthy economic growth and the concurrent development of a middle class.

El Salvador, a nation of 5.7 million, is a poor though steadily developing economy, which has experienced annual GDP growth averaging just over 1% over the last 5 years. There has been a recent deceleration in economic growth due to the global financial crisis. In addition, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Salvadorans in the U.S., most of whom immigrated during El Salvador's "Dirty War" of 1979-92. Salvadorans in the United States are among the hardest-working immigrants, and send about $800 million back to their families in El Salvador every year. Although Salvadoran Americans currently toil in the lowest-paying sectors of the American economy, they work long hours, save a great deal, and are gradually becoming more prosperous.

While I believe it may take a while for a significant stamp collecting population to develop among Salvadorans, this is mitigated by the fact that many collectors of Latin American stamps collect the region generally, rather than specializing in a particular country.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", featuring my buy lists for stamps which I wish to purchase, including many items from El Salvador .Periodically viewing dealers' buy lists is an excellent way to remained informed about the state of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Saar 1934 Semi-postals (Scott #B47-53)

The Saar is a region of Germany with a checkered history that was marred by two world wars. Following World War I, it was occupied and governed by Britain and France, from 1920 to 1935, under a League of Nations mandate, with the occupation originally being under the auspices of the Treaty of Versailles. It was returned to Germany following a plebiscite held in 1935. After World War II, the region became a French protectorate until 1955, when a referendum ended French rule and shortly thereafter returned it once again to Germany.

During the Mandate and French Protectorate periods, Saar issued its own stamps, the scarcest of which are of interest from an investment perspective because of their appeal to collectors of Germany and Area and France and Area- two robust philatelic markets.

A number of Saar's semi-postal sets are worthy investments, including the first 1934 set (Scott #B47-53). 38,478 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $89.00. The set is visually attractive, and the praying figure pictured in the 5fr+5fr high value (Scott #B53) qualifies it as a Religion topical.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to view the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.

Stamp Investment Tip: Costa Rica 1960 Saints Vincent and Louisa (Scott #C298-302)

In 1960, Costa Rica issued a set of five airmail stamps honoring Saint Vincent and St. Louisa (Scott #C298-302). 20,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $3.25.

Aside from being yet another grossly undervalued Latin American issue, the set doubles as a Religion Topical.

A small nation of 4 1/2 million people, Costa Rica is unique as the only Latin American country to have escaped the plague of repressive dictatorships and oligarchies endemic to the region. Costa Rica has generally enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability than many of its fellow Latin American nations. The government offers generous tax exemptions to those investing in the country,and in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location. Annual GDP growth has averaged 5.6% over the last 5 years.


I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Costa Rica, which includes several sets recommended in this blog. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1957 15h Christmas Souvenir Sheets (Scott #265a-67a)

  In 1957, South Korea issued a rather boring set of stamps celebrating Christmas, and picturing the Star of Bethlehem and a pine cone (Scott #265-67). In addition, it also issued three souvenir sheets duplicating the stamp designs (Scott #265a-67a). Only 2,000 of each souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices the set of unused sheets at $1,800 ($3,000.- for NH)  .

  I recommend purchase of these souvenir sheets, as they should do well based on the growth in popularity of Religion/Christianity topicals, as well as interest in stamps of Korea.


South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

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.

Stamp Investment Tip: India 1997 Mother Teresa Souvenir Sheet (Scott #1658)

  In 1997, India issued a souvenir sheet honoring Mother Teresa (Scott #1658. Only 50,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $6.00.

   All Indian souvenir sheets with printings of 100,000 or fewer should be accumulated, with priority given to those issues which have strong thematic appeal. The Mother Teresa souvenir sheet has obvious appeal as a Religion/Christianity topical, and should do very well indeed. Had a souvenir sheet with a printing of 50,000 and similar appeal been issued by the People's Republic of China, it's value would be hundreds of times greater, but fortunately for the philatelic investors who read this blog, the Indian stamp market is decades behind that of the PRC's. That will almost certainly change, as India is a rapidly developing nation of over a billion people. Millions of Indian collectors will likely be converted to the insidious cult of Philately over the next decades.


 Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to view the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.

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: Vatican 1948 Archangel Raphael and Tobias Airmails (Scott #C16-17)

In 1948, the Vatican issued a set of two airmail stamps picturing the Archangel Raphael and Tobias (Scott #C16-17). The design was based upon the Francesco Botticini's painting "Archangel Michael with Archangels Raphael and Gabriel, as They Accompany Tobias." 45,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $440.00 ($640.- for NH) .

Though in a sense, all Vatican stamps are of special interest to Catholic collectors, this set's subject enhances its appeal as a combined Religion and Art Topical. Purchasing it could have an angelic effect on your stamp portfolio.

Stamps of the Vatican appeal to both collectors of Italy and Area in general as well as Vatican in particular. Better Vatican items in general should do well as the number of Catholic stamp collectors increases worldwide, especially since many live in emerging market countries.

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: Lebanon 1965 Visit of Pope Paul VI Issue (Scott #C437, C437a)

In 1965, Pope Paul VI visited Lebanon, which commemorated the event by issuing a stamp and souvenir sheet picturing the Holy Pontiff and Lebanese President Chehab (Scott #C437,C437a). 50,000 of the stamp and 5,000 of the souvenir sheet were issued, and Scott '12 prices them unused at $5.25 and $52.50, respectively.

I recommend the purchase of both. While the quantity issued of the souvenir sheet was only a tenth that of the stamp, it is very likely that many of the stamps were used as postage and discarded. The souvenir sheet was sold at a slight premium over face value, so virtually all of them were probably saved, either mint or first day-canceled.

The issue has dual market appeal among collectors of both Lebanon and Catholicism Topicals. There are approximately 1.2 billion Catholic Christians in the world, and many live in the emerging market nations of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Topicals related to the Catholic Church should be bolstered by economic growth in these areas.


Lebanon, a nation of 4.2 million people, is noted for its commercial enterprise. Over the course of time, emigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world. As a result, remittances from Lebanese abroad to family members within the country total $8.2 billion and account for one fifth of the country's economy. The country has the largest proportion of skilled labor among Arab States. The tourism and banking sectors are the the most important pillars of the Lebanese economy, though they have at times been disrupted by political instability. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4.8% 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, as is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Laos 1956 Birth of the Buddha Anniv. (Scott #27-29, C20-21)

In 1956, Laos issued a compound set of five stamps celebrating the 2,500th Anniversary of the Birth of Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as the Buddha (Scott #27-29, C20-21). The printing quantity is not known for this set, but it was probably in the low ten thousands, and Scott '12 values it at $72.00 .

Laotian stamps of the '50s and early '60s utilize beautifully engraved designs, a tradition inherited from the French which is characteristic of many of the stamps from their colonies and former colonies. The Buddha's Birth Anniversary set has multiple appeal, among collectors of French Colonies/Area, Indochina, Laos, and Buddhism Topicals.

A nation of 6.3 million, Laos is a poor, though rapidly developing nation which is heavily dependent upon trade with its neighbors, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of the GDP and provides 80 percent of employment. However, the mining and tourism sectors are growing rapidly, and the government is taking steps to significantly upgrade the country's infrastructure, with the help of foreign aid. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 7% over the last 5 years.

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: Thailand 1988 Buddha Monthon Celebrations Souvenir Sheet (Scott #1291)

In 1988, Thailand issued a souvenir sheet commemorating its annual Buddha Monthon celebrations (Scott #1291). Only 20,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $24.00

I favor the sheet as both a investment in Thailand's economic group, and as a Buddhist topical. There are hundreds of millions of Buddhists in the world, and most live in the the rapidly developing countries of East Asia.

A nation of 66 million people, Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Despite this, Thailand ranks midway in the wealth spread in Southeast Asia as it is the 4th richest nation according to GDP per capita, after Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. Though most of the country's population still works in agriculture, the relative contribution of agriculture to GDP has declined while exports of goods and services have increased. Major industries include automobiles and automotive parts, financial services, electric appliances and components, tourism, cement,, appliances, computers and parts, furniture, plastics, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, and tobacco. Annual GDP growth has averaged just over 3% over the last 5 years, but this takes into account a 2% contraction in 2010, due to the global financial crisis.