Stamp Investment Tip: People's Republic of China 1968 Revolutionary Literature/Art Issue (Scott #982-90)

In 1968, at the height of the Cultural Revolution, the People's Republic of China issued a set of stamps celebrating Chairman Mao's direction for Revolutionary Literature and Art (Scott #982-90). Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 515.00.


All of the propaganda poster-like stamps of China's Cultural Revolution period are great investments. The Communists strongly discouraged stamp collecting in China at the time, so those stamps which were not used as postage were sold mostly to European and American collectors, and are now being aggressively bought back by millions of Chinese collectors. As China's middle class grows and more of them can afford to purchase the better stamps of P.R.C.,
they'll shoot up in value far more than they already have.

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: Dominican Republic 1943 Plane Set (Scott #C43-45)

In 1943, the Dominican Republic issued a rather "plain" plane set (Scott #C43-45). Only 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set unused at a mere $ 5.65 and used at $ 2.80. There are many issues of this country which I feel are undervalued (and I intend to tip some of them in the future), but this set is exceptional, because I feel that it is grossly undervalued, perhaps because it is boring, and has therefore been neglected by most collectors. I recommend this set in VF NH, LH, and Used conditions, and I believe that despite its current inexpensiveness, it will be a real challenge to locate in quantity. In all probability, most of the 25 centavos high values were probably used and discarded, and it would not surprise me at all if fewer than 2,000 sets remain.

With a population of about 10 million people, the Dominican Republic is considerably better off than its neighbor Haiti, with which it shares the island of Hispaniola. Though long known for sugar production, its economy is now dominated by the service sector. The country has become the Caribbean's largest tourist destination. Over a million Dominicans now live in the U.S., and they send billions in remittances home to their families, amounting to a tenth of the GDP. Annual GDP growth has averaged around 6.5% over the last 6 years, although it has been uneven from year to year, and unevenly distributed. As in much of Latin America , reforms will be necessary to address governmental corruption and the gulf between rich and poor.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mexico 1939 Sarabia Airmail (Scott #C93A)

On May 23, 1939, Mexico issued an overprinted airmail stamp (Scott #C93A) for the May 25th flight of Francisco "Pancho" Sarabia from Mexico City to New York City, which he completed in record time, beating Amelia Earhart's previous record by almost 4 hours. On his return trip of June 7, the celebrated pilot crashed his plane, "El Conquistador de Cielo," into the Potomac River and was killed. An investigation found that the plane had crashed due to the negligence of a mechanic. Sarabia is now recognized as a national hero. Only 2,100 of the stamps were issued and Scott '10 prices it at $425.00 for both used and unused.

In my opinion, there are many scarce and undervalued issues of Latin America which should be aggressively targeted. I like the Sarabia stamp in particular because it appeals to Airmail collectors as well, especially given the tragedy associated with the flight. Flight covers bearing the stamp turn up at auction every once in a while, offering the opportunity to own a gem of Mexican aviation history.

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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mozambique 1951 Fish Issue (Scott #332-55)

In 1951, Mozambique, then a Portuguese colony, issued a beautiful Fish set (Scott #332-55). Quantities were not recorded for this issue, but were probably 30,000 or fewer. Scott '10 values the unused set at $ 120.85.


The set is popular among Animals Topicalists as well as Portuguese Colonies collectors. The potential for a third significant market exists should a significant middle class develop as a demographic base for stamp collectors in Mozambique.


With about 23 million people, Mozambique was described as a "paradox" in a 2007 economic report by the World Bank, combining a "blistering pace of economic growth" (about 7%-8% ) with massive poverty and rising child malnutrition. Improvements in infrastructure, especially related to agriculture, are needed; 75% of the population engage in small-scale agriculture, although over 88% of the arable land in the country is uncultivated. Also, Mozambique has valuable titanium reserves, which could economically uplift the country if exploited effectively. Obviously, there is a necessity for reforms which will allow a greater portion of the wealth to trickle down to the majority of the population.

Practical Advice: Is It Real? Avoiding the Hazards of Fakes and Forgeries

Fakes and forgeries pose a threat to the bottom line of any stampselector, and learning how to detect them, or at least when to be suspicious, is necessary if one wishes to avoid contaminating a portfolio with these "album weeds."

Fakes are generally common stamps altered so as to appear to be scarcer, more valuable ones, or stamps which have altered so as to give an "improved," false appearance as to their condition. The types of fakes most prevalent in the current philatelic market are fake overprints, reperforated stamps, stamps with perforations trimmed off so as to appear imperforate or as scarce coils, stamps with fake grills, and stamps which have been exposed to certain chemicals, so as to make them appear to be rare or missing color varieties. Common condition alterations include: bleaching cancellations off of used stamps to make them appear unused, filling thins or obscuring them with hinge remnants, the application of false postmarks (in cases where used stamps are more valuable than unused ones, or rare postmarks exist), and regumming.

Forgeries are labels created "from scratch" by the forger in order to resemble particular stamps. They come in three types: postal forgeries, created to defraud the postal service, governmental forgeries, created to deprive an enemy nation of funds from the sale of its stamps, reprints, and philatelic forgeries.

Postal and governmental forgeries need not concern us here, because they are generally not forgeries of scarce stamps. In fact, many postal and governmental forgeries are more valuable to collectors than the actual stamps that they resemble.

Reprints are produced, either governmentally or privately, with the printing plates that were used to produce the original stamps. Often, stamp catalogs note the differences between the original stamps and their reprints, when reprints exist. Many reprints were produced quite legitimately as novelty labels to be sold by packet makers, and major differences usually exist between originals and their reprints.

Philatelic forgeries range from the crudest, most obvious reproductions to some that are extremely convincing. In the 19th century, many considered it quite acceptable to fill a space in an album with a facsimile when the genuine stamp was unavailable. Some of the early forgers, such as Fournier and Sperati, were true masters of their craft, and their forgeries are valued by collectors.

Requiring expertization as a condition for purchase is probably the best way to avoid getting burned when purchasing a stamp that is suspect. In the U.S., the most prominent expertization organizations are the Philatelic Foundation of New York, the American Philatelic Expertising Service of the American Philatelic Society, and the Professional Stamp Experts. For stamps of the British Commonwealth, the most prominent expertization organizations are the Royal Philatelic Society of London and the British Philatelic Association. Additional experts may be found at the International Association of Philatelic Experts site. Ebay bidders should also consider taking a look at the Stamp Collectors Against Dodgy Sellers (S.C.A.D.S.) website.

Stamp Investment Tip: Iran 1957 Tehran-Meshed Railway Issue (Scott #1074-76)

In 1957, Iran issued a set of stamps commemorating the opening of the Tehran-Meshed Railway (Scott #1074-76). 50,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $47.00. The vast majority were used as postage.


Stamps of Iran are not widely collected at present, partly for political reasons and partly because of the ubiquity of fakes among the early overprinted issues. Nevertheless, it is an oil-rich nation (ranked second in both oil and natural gas reserves) of 76 million people, and there are signs that many of them are becoming fed up with the corrupt and reactionary theocracy that is isolating Iran from the rest of the world. Furthermore, it is beginning to diversify away from its dependence on oil into other industries, such as biotech, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals, and it has the potential to develop a thriving tourism sector, should it institute reforms and begin to improve its image.


I view this set as a scarce Railroad topical issue which should do very well if the situation improves in Iran.

Stamp Investment Tip: India 1962-63 Animals Issue (Scott #361A-66)

In 1962-63, India issued an attractive Animals set (Scott #361A-66). 400,500 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set at $19.00 unused. The majority of sets were used as postage.

This set should be targeted for aggressive accumulation, as an undervalued popular topical issue from a nation of 1.2 billion people which is becoming an economic superpower. I expect that in the coming years, the "serious" stamp collecting population of Indians will number in the millions.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hong Kong 1891 Jubilee Overprint Issue (Scott #66)

In 1891, Hong Kong issued its first commemorative stamp (Scott #66), overprinting 50,000 2c Rose stamps to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the colony. Scott '10 prices the unused stamp at $ 575.00 and the used stamp at $140.00.

I recommend this stamp in VF NH, LH and Used conditions. The stamps of Hong Kong are in demand in Hong Kong, China and among British Commonwealth collectors.

The former colony is now a special administrative district of P.R. China, but it has a high degree of autonomy except in the areas of foreign affairs and defence. With about 7 million people, this Asian Tiger remains a global metropolis and international finance center. The Hong Kong economy experienced negative annual GDP growth in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but should recover over the next year or two and return to its usual 5%-7%.


Centering for most stamps of Hong Kong from the Victoria to George V eras tends to be mediocre, so try to select examples with four clear margins when purchasing. Also, a Yang Catalogue is useful when purchasing stamps of Hong Kong, as it lists and values varieties and rare cancellations which are not noted in Scott.

Stamp Investment Tip: Haiti 1939 De Coubertin Semi-postals (Scott #B1,CB1-2)

In 1939, Haiti issued a compound semi-postal set (B1,CB1-2) honoring Pierre de Coubertin, the organizer of the modern Olympic Games. 6,296 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 77.50 .

I recommend the set as an undervalued and beautiful Olympics topical issue.
Haiti is one of several less developed nations, which include Ethiopia and Liberia, for which the stamps have some interest for American and European specialists. However, as it is the poorest nation in the hemisphere, with low GDP growth of between 1% and 3%, a grossly unequal distribution of wealth, and a high level of corruption, I do not expect a significant middle class (or stamp collecting population) to develop within Haiti soon. This set is recommended solely on the basis of my expectation of growth in demand for it among Sport Topicalists. Should significant interest develop within Haiti, it'll be like icing on the cake.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist" , featuring buy prices for stamps which I wish to purchase, including this Haitian set. Viewing buy lists every once in a while is an excellent way to remain informed concerning the vagaries of the stamp market.

Phila-Trivia: The Undersea Post Office in the Bahamas

American photographer John Ernest Williamson (1881-1966), a pioneer in undersea photography, designed a chamber called the Williamson Photosphere, from which he could take pictures of undersea creatures. Between 1939 and 1941, with the cooperation of the Bahamaian postal authorities, Williamson operated an undersea post office in his photosphere, canceling covers with a "Sea Floor, Bahamas" oval date stamp. These covers were considered novelties by collectors of the period.


Many of the covers included a 1938 4p stamp with a design featuring tropical fish in a coral landscape, based on a photograph by Williamson.

Today there is a considerable interest in the Sea Floor covers. They sell for prices ranging from $30 to as much as $200.

Stamp Investment Tip: Japanese Offices in China

Like many of the European countries with spheres of influence in China, Japan issued stamps for use by its citizens in China between 1900 and 1921. Scott lists these issues following back-of-book issues of Japan.


Many of these stamps are quite scarce, and they are increasingly of interest to collectors in two hot philatelic markets- China and Japan. As counterfeit overprints exist , I recommend expertization as a condition for purchase. I've listed some of the better stamps by Scott number, quantity issued, and Scott '10 Value for unused below:

• 20 1908 5y Green (10,000; $ 375.00)


• 21 1908 10y Dark Violet (5,000; $ 650.00)


• 22-32 1913 Issue (6,000; $ 1,587.00)


• 32 1913 1y Yellow Green and Maroon (6,000; $ 825.00)


• 48 1914 5y Green (46,800; $ 1,900.00)


• 49 1921 10y Violet (22,200; $ 2,700.00)

Stamp Investment Tip: Malta 1886 5sh Rose (Scott #14)

In 1886, Malta, then a British colony, issued a 5 shilling Rose stamp picturing Victoria framed within a Maltese Cross (Scott #14). This high value was intended for use on parcels. Only 15,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values the stamp at $ 125.00 for unused, and $ 95.00 for used.


I recommend the stamp in VF NH, LH, and Used condition. It is likely that the vast majority were used on parcels and then discarded.

Stamps of Malta are popular among British Commonwealth collectors. The country itself, with a population of about 400,000, has annual GDP growth of about 3%-4%, and major industries are limestone, tourism, and financial services. Growing secondary sectors include electronics, pharmaceuticals, and film production. The country is investing heavily in education, which bodes well for the future.

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: Nicaragua 1949 Amateur Baseball Issue (Scott #717-29,C296-308)

In 1949, Nicaragua issued a compound set of 26 stamps commemorating the 10th World Series of Amateur Baseball (Scott # 717-29,C296-308). In addition, a set of 26 of each denomination in souvenir sheet form was also issued (Scott #729Note, C308a). The basic set is of some interest, with an issuance of 40,000 and a Scott '10 value of $ 35.95 as unused, but the set of souvenir sheets is far scarcer, with only 2,500 issued and a Scott '10 value of

$225.00.

The set is of great interest to Sports Topical collectors, and two of the values are also Scouting topicals.

Nicaragua is a poor nation of about 5 1/2 million people, and annual GDP growth of about 3%. It is largely dependent upon agriculture and remittances from Nicaraguans living in other countries. Nevertheless, its government has instituted economic reforms, and important secondary industries, such as tourism, banking, mining, and fisheries, are expanding.

I recommend both the regular set and the souvenir sheets based on topical interest alone. Should you locate a set of the souvenir sheets, ascertain whether any of the sheets have creases, major bends, or toning before purchasing it. The sheets are unwieldy, tend to curl, and are often found with condition problems.

Stamp Investment Tip: Madagascar 1942 France Libre Overprint Airs (Scott #C27-36)

Madagascar was a French colony until 1958, when it became the Malagasy Republic. During World War II, Madagascar was administered by the collaborationist Vichy Government until 1942, when it was turned over to the Free French by the British following the Battle of Madagascar. To celebrate the liberation, the Free French overprinted the Map Airmails then in use "FRANCE LIBRE" (Scott # C27-36; Scott '10 Catalog Value as unused = $ 125.50). Only 7,000 sets were overprinted, because the 1.75fr Orange and Red (Scott #C28), which became the key stamp of the set, was in short supply.

Though still a poor nation of about 20 million, the Malagasy Republic has great potential if it institutes political and economic reforms and develops its agricultural and mining sectors. Annual GDP growth has been humming along at 5%-7% over the last 5 years. Several major projects are underway in the mining and oil and gas sectors that, if successful, will give a significant boost to the Malagasy economy.

This set should do well based solely on interest from French Colonies collectors. It will do extremely well if a collector market develops in the Malagasy Republic.

Stamp Investment Tip: Kuwait 1948-49 Surcharge Issue (Scott #72-81A)

Kuwait was a British Protectorate until it attained independence in 1961. In 1948-49, the British issued a surcharged set of eleven stamps for Kuwait (Scott #72-81A). 19,351 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 92.50. Issues of Kuwait, especially those of the British period, are sought after both in Kuwait and among British Commonwealth collectors.

A country of just under 3 million people, Kuwait is the 5th richest country in the world, with proven oil reserves of 104 billion barrels, and annual GDP growth of just under 6%. It is also developing its other major industries, which include shipping, construction, cement, water desalination, construction materials and financial services.

There are a number of scarce and undervalued issues from the Gulf States which I view as bargains. Assuming that these countries can maintain their economic growth, diversify away from their current near-total dependence on oil revenues, and avoid internal political instability or military conflicts with their neighbors, their better stamps should all do well.

Stamp Investment Tip: Macao 1948 Tourist Issue (Scott #324-35)

In 1948, Macao issued a beautiful tourist set (Scott #324-35) picturing scenes of the colony. 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 659.10 unused. The vast majority of sets were used as postage.

All of the better stamps of the European and other foreign Colonies/Possessions in China should be considered for investment, in my opinion, as they have dual markets both in their former home countries and in China.

In 1999, Macao became a special administrative district of the People's Republic of China. With a population of about 500,000, Macao's economy is dependent upon tourism, much of it geared toward gambling, although important secondary sectors include apparel manufacturing and financial services. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging over 9% over the last 7 years. The fact that much of Macao's economic growth has been driven by a regional monopoly on gaming is somewhat worrisome, in my opinion, because obviously there is no guarantee that the People's Republic won't relax restrictions on gambling in the rest of China, allowing more competition. Nevertheless, I feel that certain scarce issues of this former colony are grossly undervalued, given the number of collectors who will be chasing them.

Stamp Investment Tip: Norway 1930 North Cape Semi-postals (Scott #B1-3)

In 1930, Norway issued its first semi-postals, a set of 3 picturing its North Cape (Scott #B1-3), to benefit the Tourist Association. 100,000 sets were issued, and Scott values the set unused at $ 119.50($225.00 for NH).

For reasons given earlier, I favor the better stamps of Norway.

Phila-Trivia: Philatelic Murder!

There have been several recorded instances of collectors being murdered for their stamps.

One of the most notable was the murder of Gaston Leroux. Leroux was a well-off man living in an apartment in Paris, who had built an impressive collection of stamps, one of which proved to be too tempting for one of his friends. In 1892, police were called to his apartment, where they found him murdered, apparently by an intruder. However, they could not find anything missing, as the murderer had left behind a considerable amount of money, gold coins, a diamond-studded watch, and a valuable collection of Hawaiian stamps.

A detective working the case knew stamps, and he decided to compare Leroux's collection against its written inventory. He found that the best stamp in the collection, an unused 2c Hawaiian Missionary, was missing, so the detective visited several Parisian stamp dealers to try to locate it. Having drawn a blank, he later learned of Leroux's circle of stamp collecting friends and decided to pose as an avid philatelist, eventually focusing on one of them, a certain Hector Giroux. The detective discussed rare stamps with Giroux, gained his confidence, and Giroux unwisely showed the detective his collection, containing the 2c Missionary.

Brought in for questioning, Giroux failed to give a credible explanation of how he had acquired the stamp. At trial, after repeated questioning, he broke down and confessed to having murdered Leroux because of Leroux's refusal to sell him the 2c Missionary stamp, which would have completed his collection. Giroux was found guilty and hanged.

Most philatelists will readily understand a collector's healthy enthusiasm to fill the empty spaces in his collection, but killing someone for a stamp is probably somewhat excessive.

Stamp Investment Tip: Netherlands Indies 1923 Wilhelmina Issue (Scott #151-157)

In 1923, the Netherland Indies issued a set of stamps picturing Queen Wilhelmina (Scott #151-57). 15,707 sets were issued, and it has a Scott '10 Value of $ 117.40 for unused.

I favor all scarce issues of the Netherlands Indies and Indonesia. Stamps of all former Dutch colonies are avidly collected in the Netherlands, and Indonesia is a developing, though still poor, country of 230 million people, with an annual GDP growth rate hovering around 5%-6%. Reforms will be necessary to address corruption and income inequities in this emerging market nation.

As a general rule, I consider issues of the European Colonies and overseas possessions better investments than those of the mother countries themselves. Quantities issued tend to be much lower, and the stamps have dual markets, both in the original "home" countries and in their former colonies, which are often developing nations.

Note that a scarce Perf. 11 1/2 X 11 variety of the 5c Myrtle Green exists (Scott #151a; Scott '10 Value as unused = $ 350.00 ; used CV = $ 110.00). It's possible that you may find one being sold as the cheap, normal stamp, which is Perf. 11 1/2, or the more common 11 X 11 1/2 variety. The difference is easy to miss.

Stamp Investment Tip: New Zealand 1931 Airmails (C1-3)

In 1931, New Zealand issued its first airmail stamps, a nice typographed set picturing a plane over Lake Manapouri (Scott #C1-3). 50,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 85.00 unused.

New Zealand is a modern, prosperous nation of about 4.3 million people, with a GDP of $115 billion. Over the last 10 years, annual GDP growth has averaged about 3%. The economy was hurt by the recent global financial crisis, and is beginning to recover. In 2005, the World Bank praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly nation in the world.

Stamps of New Zealand are collected both domestically and by British Commonwealth collectors worldwide . The nation has a stamp collecting demographic similar to Great Britain's, and the demand for better material should increase dramatically as population aging accelerates. The percentage of New Zealander's aged 60 and over will rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.

When purchasing this set, keep in mind that a scarce Perf. 14X15 variety exists of the 3p Chocolate (Scott C1a; Scott '10 Cat. Value of $ unused, used). A flight cover bearing the variety would be a real find, especially if the seller's valued it as the normal stamp.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mongolia 1951 30th Anniversary of Independence Issue (Scott #91-103)

In 1951, the Mongolian People's Republic issued a set commemorating the 30th Anniversary of its Independence (Scott #91-103). The set, of which 10,000 were issued, proclaimed the glories of Soviet-style Mongolian communism. Scott '10 values it at $ 185.00 for unused.

With about 2.6 million people, Mongolia has successfully made the transition to democracy since the fall of the Soviet Union. The main industries remain agriculture and mining, as Mongolia is rich in natural resources. There has been some diversification into the areas of food processing and apparel production, and annual GDP growth over the last 5 years has ranged from 5%-8%.

I consider the scarcer issues of Mongolia to be conservative long-term plays, because I do not expect an appreciable increase in the number of stamp collectors in Mongolia in the near future. Currently, most of the demand for Mongolian stamps is founded on the interest of specialists for the earliest issues, and topicalists for the later ones. Over the next few decades, however, I feel that the number of stamp collectors within Mongolia itself will increase significantly.