Stamp Investment Tip: Peru 1935 Founding of Lima Issue (Scott #C6-12)

In 1935, Peru celebrated the 400th Anniversary of the Founding of Lima by issuing a set of airmail stamps (Scott #C6-12). Only 6,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 62.20.

Peru has issued a number of scarce sets which I intend to recommend in future articles.

With a population of 29 million, Peru is an emerging market nation which has experienced significant economic growth over the last 15 years, and annual GDP growth averaging 7.5% over the last 5. Poverty has steadily decreased, although great inequities in income distribution persist. As the trend continues and more Peruvians join the middle class, the country's better stamps should do very well.

Stamp Investment Tip: Qatar 1965 Fish Set (Scott #69-85)

In 1965, Qatar issued a beautiful Fish set (Scott #69-85). 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $194.25 for unused. The set appeals to Animals topical collectors, as well as collectors of Qatar.

Stamps picturing animals remain the most popular topicals among stamp collectors worldwide. The number of Flora/Fauna thematic collectors will probably continue to increase, as interest in "Eco-topicals" grows.

With a population of 1.4 million, Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last five years, with annual GDP growth averaging 9%. The country has 15 billion barrels of oil reserves and natural gas reserves estimated at between 80 trillion to 800 trillion cubic feet - enough energy reserves to make every Qatari a centimillionaire or billionaire. Gilding the gilded lily, Qatar is also funding the development of a "knowledge economy," establishing the Qatar Science and Technology Park and Education City. It has also established Doha Sports City, and plans to build an "entertainment city" in the future, in case Qataris become bored with their other leisure activities, such as collecting stamps.

Those interested in being part of a community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the Facebook "Stampselectors" group, which currently has over 1,600 members.

Stamp Investment Tip: Brazil BRAPEX Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C53)

In 1943, Brazil celebrated the centennial of its first postage stamps by issuing a "Stamps-on-Stamps" topical souvenir sheet (Scott #C53) at the BRAPEX Philatelic Exhibition. Brazil was the second country (after Great Britain) to issue postage stamps , and the designs pictured on the souvenir sheet somewhat resemble the Brazilian "Bull's Eyes" issued in 1843. 20,100 sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 50.00 for unused.


With 191 million people, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and the world's eighth largest economy. Political and economic reforms have given the country a brighter future than it had in the bad old days of oligarchical dictatorship. The Brazilian economy is diverse, the country is aggressively investing in its future by generously funding technological research and education, and exports are booming. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 5% over the last 5 years.


There are a number of grossly undervalued Brazilian issues with printing quantities of 10,000 to 100,000, some of which have topical appeal, and recommending them for accumulation seems a no-brainer. Brazil looks destined to become an economic superpower, and even if it mirrors the philatelically anemic U.S. and only one out of a thousand Brazilians become serious stamp collectors and one out of a fifty become "unserious" ones, they'll be competing for their nation's better stamps, only to find that the cupboard is bare.

Stamp Investment Tip: Poland Stratosphere Flight Souvenir Sheet (Scott #B31)

In 1938, Poland issued a souvenir sheet in advance of a proposed stratosphere flight (Scott #B31). 60,000 sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 55.00 unused ($110.00 NH). The souvenir sheet is an attractive Aviation topical, and I strongly recommend it as an investment.


With 38 million people, Poland is one of the fastest growing economies of all of the post-Communist countries, with annual GDP growth averaging about 5.5% over the past 5 years. The nation has steadfastly pursued a policy of liberalizing the economy, and was not severely impacted by the recent global financial crisis.


Better stamps of Poland will rise in value as the country prospers and the population of Polish stamp collectors increases. Interest in Polish history and national pride are important elements in the culture of this oft-conquered people, and there are some 10 million Polish Americans with ties to the country.

Stamp Investment Tips: Portuguese India Lady of Fatima Issue (Scott #481-88)

In 1948, Portuguese India issued a Religion topical set to commemorate an alleged miracle which occurred in 1917, the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima (Scott #481-88). 25,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it unused at $ 67.75 . The set was part of a Our Lady of Fatima Omnibus of stamps issued by Portugal and its colonies.
I favor the better stamps issued by the three colonial powers in India, as such stamps have dual markets in their home countries and in India, where I feel that the stamp collecting population will grow exponentially over the next decades.

Stamp Investment Tips: Russia 1932 2nd Polar Year Issue (Scott #C34-35)

In 1932, Russia issued a set of stamps commemorating the 2nd International Polar Year (Scott #C34-35). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 150.00 unused and $ 40.00 used. The set is of interest to collectors of Polar Topicals.

The market for better Russian stamps from the Czarist through Stalin periods is very hot right now. With 142 million people, Russia is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world, with vast reserves of natural resources and a highly educated population. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has experienced several major economic crises in its transition to capitalism, although annual GDP growth has been strong over the last 5 years, at around 7%. The country is still plagued by corruption and organized crime, making it somewhat reminiscent of America during its "Wild West" and Robber-Baron periods. Nevertheless, the middle class has grown from just 8 million people in 2000 to 55 million in 2006.

I favor all scarce sets of Russia, as I believe that it is likely both its economy and stamp collecting population will grow substantially over the next decades.

Stamp Investment Tips: Papua New Guinea 1960 Postage Dues (Scott #J1-14)

In 1960, Papua New Guinea issued two sets of postage due stamps, as well as an individual stamp which collectors consider separate (Scott #J1-5, J6, and J7-14). The quantities issued and Scott '10 values are given below:

J1-5 1960 Surcharge (15,165; $ 74.75)
J6 1960 6p on 7 1/2p Red Surcharge (800;$1,100.00)
J7-14 1960 Numeral (55,696; $ 15.70 )

All of these dues are worthwhile investments. I believe that they have been ignored because they are back-of-book issues.

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for most of the population of about 7 million. Annual GDP growth has increased dramatically over the last 5 years, from 1% in 2005 to about 7% in 2009.
Still, the majority of the population is extremely poor, and I do not foresee the development of a significant collecting population within the country for some time.

Most of the collectors of Papua New Guinea are British Commonwealth collectors or Australians, because the country was administered by Australia until 1975, and maintains close ties with that nation. I recommend the Postage Due issues on the basis of the prospect of growth in those two collecting areas.

As forged overprints exist of #J6, I advise requiring expertizaton as a condition for purchase.

Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1935 Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet (Scott #452)

In 1935, Argentina issued a souvenir sheet (Scott #452), reproducing the San Martin design of 1923-24, at the Buenos Aires Philatelic Exhibition. 14,579 of these "stamp on stamp" topical souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 75.00 unused and $ 35.00 used.

With a population of about 40 million, Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Historically, Argentina's economic performance has been uneven, as periods of high economic growth have alternated with severe downturns. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has averaged a whopping 8.5%. However, over the last 20 years Argentina has weathered several major debt crises and recessions.


Regardless of what Argentina's economic see-saw will look like over the next few years, I am convinced that the 1935 Philatelic Exhibition souvenir sheet is undervalued, and a possible target for hoarding and market manipulation. I recommend purchase of it in VF NH, LH, or Used condition. When purchasing unused sheets, avoid those with gum bends, which are common on this issue.

Phila-Trivia: Delusions of Grandeur in Victorian New Brunswick

In December of 1859, Charles Connell, Postmaster General of New Brunswick, contracted with the American Banknote Company to produce a set of five postage stamps. Issued in October of 1860, the set included designs featuring a locomotive, a steamship, and portraits of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).

Accompanying these stamps honoring progress in transportation, the Queen, and her son, was a 5c stamp picturing Connell himself, who had managed to keep the stamp designs secret until the shipment was received. This was to be his most notable achievement as Postmaster General.

Before the stamps were to be issued, information on their designs was leaked to the press, igniting a series of vitriolic attacks on Connell and the stamp bearing his image. The Executive Council and Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick responded by ordering the destruction of the Connell stamps, and their replacement with a 5c Yellow Green stamp picturing Victoria, similar in design to the 10c stamp. Connell resigned his from his position, mentioning deteriorating relations with members of the Council, but offering no explanation for his portrait appearing on the stamp.

Almost all of the original shipment of 500,000 Connell stamps was destroyed. Connell reputedly gave sheets of a 100 to each of his two daughters, and a few samples to close friends. The rare stamp occasionally turns up at auction, and Scott '10 prices it at $12,000.00.

Stamp Investment Tip: Australia 1932 Sydney Harbor Bridge Issue (Scott #130-32)

In 1932, Australia issued a set of three stamps celebrating the opening of the Sydney Harbor Bridge (Scott #130-32). 72,800 of the high-value, the 5sh Gray Green, were printed, and the Scott '10 values the set at $507.00 unused ($1,211.00 for NH) and $ 307 .00 used. The 5sh Bridge stamp is the key commemorative of Australia, and is frequently sold alone.


Australia is a prosperous nation of 22 million people and a diverse economy, with thriving service, agricultural, and mining sectors. Annual GDP growth has average 3.6% over the past 15 years. Recently, there has been considerable growth in mining and petroleum extraction, in part due to increased exports to the resource-hungry Chinese market. It is likely that Australia's stamp collecting population will grow significantly as the nation ages. The percentage of Australians over 60 is projected to rise from 16% in 2000 to 24.8% in 2025, and 28.2% in 2050.

I strongly recommend purchase of either the set, or the 5 shilling Sydney Bridge stamp alone, in VF NH, LH, or used condition. It represents a blue-chip investment which will reflect the growth of Australia's economy and stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tips: Jordan 1966 King Hussein Issue (Scott #528-28M,C43-45)

In 1966, Jordan issued a compound set of seventeen stamps honoring King Hussein (Scott # 528-28M, C43-45). Most of the 20,000 sets issued were used as postage, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 44.65.


Jordan is a small country of 6.3 million people with limited natural resources. Nevertheless, it is an emerging market nation, largely due to its liberal economic policies and relative political stability compared to many of its neighbors, and has maintained an annual GDP growth of 5% -6% over the last 5 years. Currently, its main industries are fertilizers, tourism, and banking, but it also has a developing "knowledge economy," which is contributing to its nascent aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical, and ICT sectors.


I consider it prudent for stampselectors to consider not only the more "prestigious," pricey issues for investment, but also overlooked, inexpensive sets with low printings from emerging market countries. Such sets may seem speculative, but in fact, the risk of loss is quite low, and when the stamp market favors a particular country, the inexpensive issues tend to rise quickly, because of their affordability to most collectors.

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.