Phila-Trivia: Wacky Recent Issues

Over the last few decades, technological advances in printing technology have made possible the production of philatelic items with interesting formats, including stamps and souvenir sheets printed on metal, as phonograph records, as holograms and 3-D images, and imbued with various odors.

In 2008, several countries issued stamps utilizing unconventional formats or methods of production.

Austria produced a number of novel issues, including:

-the first embroidered stamp, picturing a flower, the Clusius gentian;

- a stamp made of the same original material as the UEFA European Championship ball – a synthetic mix with polyurethane

- a revolutionary lenticular stamp to celebrate the UEFA EURO 2008. 48 images of a TV recording are superposed on the stamp. To the viewer, the optical effect is that of a film sequence of approx. 3 seconds.

Iceland released a series of stamps depicting the Imagine Peace Tower, which is dedicated to the memory of Beatle John Lennon. The stamp is printed in a traditional offset format and then overprinted with phosphorus in silk screen which causes the picture to accumulate light and then glow in the dark. When exposed to ultraviolet light, a picture of John Lennon appears on the stamp.

Aland issued a stamp that has red granite burnt into it. The stamp illustrates a winding red gravel road - a common sight in Aland.

Lithuania issued the first drop-shaped postage stamp for the EXPO Zaragoza 2008 Exhibition, the theme of which was "Water and Sustainable Development".

Finland issued a miniature sheet dedicated to Alpine skiing. The sheet has an illusion of movement thanks to the imaging and printing technology used.

Hong Kong issued a set of special stamps featuring jellyfish. For the first time in Hong Kong philatelic history, the stamps are being printed with a glow-in-the-dark effect.

Certainly such exciting innovations should attract new collectors to the hobby. Perhaps one day there will be a stamp on which the sender can write the receiver's address and record a message, thereby rendering letters obsolete.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1897 Surcharges (Scott #75-77)

At the beginning of 1897, Newfoundland's Colonial Secretary Robert Bond decided to issue a long set of stamps (from 1c to 60c) to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland by John Cabot. One stamp would be dedicated to Queen Victoria while the others promoted Newfoundland. Bond sensed a potential for increased revenue for the post office, with the U.S. Columbians and Canadian Silver Jubilee sets as models.

What seemed like a good plan became a disaster. The public ate up the 1¢ and 2¢ low values but eschewed the higher values. One could still buy the 60¢ at the post office in St. John’s as late as 1936. By September, the two low values were almost exhausted. The 1¢ was needed for drop mail, circulars, and other 3rd class use. With the plates gone, and few older 1¢ stamps to be found, Newfoundland had its first postal crisis. New 1¢ and 2¢ values were ordered but they would not arrive until early December and a fix was needed by mid-October.

As a solution, just under 40,000 of the 1890 3c Victoria stamps were locally surcharged "ONE CENT." Three different fonts were used, however, creating three different surcharged stamps. 32,000 of the most common stamp (Scott #75- Gothic letters), along with 5,600 of #76 (Sans-serif), and 1,600 of #77 (flat and sans-serif). Scott '11 prices the unused stamps at $60.- ,$225.- , and $750.- (slightly more than double for NH) , respectively. All three surcharges were used on each sheet, so blocks of four containing two #75s, a #76, and a #77 exist. These blocks of four are considered highly desirable.

I recommend purchase of these stamps, especially the two scarcer ones and the block. I believe that #76 and 77 have been neglected because they are surcharge varieties- after all, who cares about surcharge varieties except for anal retentive specialists? This attitude tends to diminish as demand for a particular country's stamps develops. As with all surcharges, I advise purchasing them conditional on obtaining expertization. Note that poor centering is typical for this issue, so attempt to purchase examples that are centered F-VF or better.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .


With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mozambique 1939 Presidential Visit (Scott #289-92)

In 1939, Mozambique (then a Portuguese Colony) issued a set of stamps picturing a map of Africa, and celebrating the visit of the President of Portugal (Scott #289-92). 20,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $41.50 .

The set has potential dual market appeal for Portuguese Colonies collectors and collectors in Mozambique, should a significant stamp market develop there. Even without that catalyst, I expect that the set will increase in value based on demand from Portuguese Colonies collectors alone.


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" 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. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 6.5% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Cuba 1890-97 Alfonso XIII (Scott #132-55)

From 1890-97, the Spanish issued a long set of twenty four stamps for Cuba, picturing the Infant King Alfonso XIII (Scott #132-55). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $294.45 and the used set at $95.20. This is one of many scarce issues of Cuba which should be targeted for investment. It is absurdly undervalued, because it is unlikely that more than one or two thousand sets survive in any condition, and because it has multiple market appeal to collectors of Spanish Colonies, Cuba, and Latin America in general.

I believe it inevitable that Cuba will join the fold of more-or-less free nations, and that tourism and trade will explode as a result. Currently, the average wage of each of the 11 1/2 million people living in this "socialist utopia" is under $20 per month, and GDP per capita is 107th in the world. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging 6.4% over the last 5 years, but given the levels of corruption and favoritism shown to high ranking Communist Party members, it's an open question whether much of that new wealth has been filtering downward. Eventually, something will have to give. The current market for Cuban stamps, especially of the Pre-Castro Period, is bolstered by interest of stamp collectors within Cuban-American community, currently about 1.6 million strong, and far wealthier than their compatriots on the island. Interest in Cuban stamps is likely to increase, especially given the likely prospect of a replacement of the stale, "gerontocratic" regime within a decade or so.

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

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, and is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Switzerland 1950 International Organization for Refugees Officials (Scott #6O1-8)

In a number of previous articles, I have expressed the opinion that the demand for U.N. Topicals will increase as the U.N. gradually gains credibility and becomes an effective institution for dealing with global problems. The organization will either gradually assume more importance, or grow in fits and starts as critical problems requiring global solutions suddenly and unexpectedly rear their ugly heads.


Official stamps were issued for use by various international organizations headquartered in Geneva. The earliest of these organizations were associated with the League of Nations, while the later issues were for UN organizations. I favor all of the scarce and undervalued stamps issued for these international organizations. As these issues are all overprinted Swiss stamps, much of the current demand for them comes from collectors of Switzerland. A far greater proportion of the Swiss population are stamp collectors than are Americans, and the level of interest there is comparable to that which exists Germany.


In 1950, a set of 8 stamps was issued for the International Organization for Refugees (Scott #6O1-8). 24,000 sets were issued, and Scott '11 values the unused set at $88.- ($150.- for NH). I view the set as a conservative investment, which should do well over the long-term.


Switzerland, a nation of 7.8 million people,is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. The country experienced slow growth in the 1990s and the early 2000s, and was hurt by the global financial crisis, which has resulted in greater support for economic reforms and harmonization with the European Union.


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, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1948 Pres. Syngman Rhee (Scott #90)

In 1948, Syngman Rhee was elected the first president of South Korea, and his inauguration was celebrated with the issuance of a stamp (Scott #90). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '11 values the unused stamp at $150.- ($300 for NH) . Many of the stamps were used and probably discarded, so it is likely that fewer than 10,000 remain in unused condition.

Many of the early stamps of South Korea were rather primitively produced, and mediocre centering, rough perfs, and gloppy gum are normal for these issues. Not many Koreans were collecting stamps in the late '40s and early '50s, and many of the stamps that were collected unused were probably purchased by U.S. and allied soldiers during the Korean War. The stamps have increased in value over the last few years as the market has developed within the country, and I expect that they will continue to do so.

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 4.2% 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Turkmenistan 1994 Repetek National Park Miniature Sheet (Scott #46a)

In 1994, Turkmenistan issued a set of stamps and a souvenir sheet honoring Repetek National Park (Scott #44-8, 49). Within the set, it issued a miniature sheet picturing a viper (Scott #46a). Only 5,000 of the Viper miniature sheet was issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $10.00 .

The miniature sheet is a scarce Animal topical, and I believe that focusing on scarce popular topicals is a prudent means of speculating on stamps of the newly independent nations of Central Asia. Whether or not demand develops within these countries for the stamps that they issue, there will always be worldwide demand for their most popular topicals.

A nation of 5.1 million, Turkmenistan is a largely desert country with nomadic cattle raising, intensive agriculture in irrigated oases, and huge gas and oil resources. It possesses the world's fourth largest reserves of natural gas, and is also the world's tenth largest producer of cotton. As in the Soviet era, central planning and state control pervade the system, although there is gradual progress toward greater privatization. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 8% over the last 5 years, mostly due to increasing demand for the country's oil.

Stamp Investment Tip: Uruguay 1959 Flight Monument (Scott #C182-92)

In 1959, Uruguay issued a set of airmail stamps picturing a statue symbolizing "Flight", part of a monument to fallen aviators (Scott #C182-92). 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott prices the set at $16.90 for unused.

As it is likely that most of the sets were used as postage and discarded, perhaps a a few thousand remain. It is grossly undervalued, especially considering that there are many collectors of Latin America who focus on the region as a whole.


With a population of about 3 1/2 million people, most of whom are of European or mixed descent, Uruguay has a stamp collecting population which will probably approach European levels in the years to come. Uruguay is one of the most economically developed, politically stable and least corrupt countries in Latin America, and is moving away from its dependence on agricultural exports and toward development of commercial technologies, especially software. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 3% over the last 5 years.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. It includes a buy list for Uruguay, and includes the set recommended in this article. 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: New Guinea 1931 Bird of Paradise (Scott #18-30)

In 1931, New Guinea issued its second set of stamps, picturing a Bird of Paradise (Scott #18-30). Only 2,550 of this attractive Bird Topical set were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $ 423.- .

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 purchase of the better stamps of Papua, New Guinea, and Papua New Guinea based on the probable growth in interest among Australian collectors, and collectors of British Commonwealth.

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 provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Phila-Trivia: The World's First Airmail Stamp (Issued in 1877!)

Many stamp collectors do not realize that the world's first airmail stamp was produced decades before the first mail plane took off, but that is indeed the case. In 1877, a 5c local airmail stamp (Scott #CL1) was privately issued by John F. B. Lillard, a Nashville reporter. The stamp was used to prepay postage for mail carried on a flight made by the Balloon "Buffalo" from Nashville to Gallatin, Tennessee, and piloted by balloonist Samuel Archer King. 300 stamps were printed, of which 23 are reported to have been used. Scott values the unused stamp at $7,500.- ($10,000.- for NH). Tete-beche pairs exist (as shown at right).

Although this was the first issuance of an airmail stamp, it was not the first time that mail had been carried by balloon. In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, ballons montes (literally "manned balloons") carried mail out of a besieged Paris. Although no special stamps were issued by the besieged Parisians, Ballons Montes covers are highly prized, and are listed and valued by balloon name, time of departure, and destination in the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue.

Stamp Investment Tip: Syria 1920 Postage Dues (Scott #J5-8)

I'm initiating coverage of Syria by going straight to the "back of the book"- with the 1920 Postage Due set issued under French Occupation (Scott #J5-8). Only 7,000 sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $14.50.

It's likely that most of these stamps were used and discarded. The attraction of all better Syrian stamps issued by the French is that they have dual market appeal to collectors of Syria and French Colonies. As with many back-of-book issues, the Dues set has been overly neglected because of its relative obscurity.


It is unclear how the current turmoil in Syria will be resolved. Nevertheless, there are many scarce issues from the French period which should do well based on the growth of French Colonies/Area collecting alone. Should the country wind up with a more democratic government and more fully compete in the global marketplace, all of the stamps of Syria with low printings will skyrocket, including many of the modern issues with printings of 50,000 or fewer, which are dirt-cheap.

The Syrian Arab Republic, a nation of 22.5 million people, is a middle-income country, with an economy based on agriculture, oil, industry, and tourism. It has low rates of foreign investment, and low levels of industrial and agricultural productivity. Until the recent revolt, the somewhat corrupt and authoritarian government was slowly reforming its centrally planned economy in hopes of attracting new investment in the tourism, natural gas, and service sectors. Average annual GDP growth was a little over 4%, but the extent to which that growth benefited the population as a whole was unclear.

Stamp Investment Tip: El Salvador 1942 Eucharistic Congress Souvenir Sheet (Scott #588)

In 1942, El Salvador issued a compound set (Scott #587, C85) and souvenir sheet (Scott #588) commemorating its first Eucharistic Congress of the Roman Catholic Church. 50,000 sets and 5,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '11 values the souvenir sheet unused at $25.00 .

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 3.5% over the last 5 years. 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 toil in the lowest-paying sectors of the American economy, they are slowly but inexorably becoming more prosperous. They work long hours, save a great deal, and are gradually entering the middle class.

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. Furthermore, the Eucharistic Congress issue is a Religion topical which may appeal to Catholic collectors worldwide, many of whom live in emerging market nations.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. It includes a buy list for El Salvador, including the set recommended in this article. 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: Kazakhstan 1997 Zodiac Souvenir Sheet (Scott #187b)

In 1997, Kazakhstan issued an interesting souvenir sheet picturing the twelve signs of the Zodiac (Scott #187b). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused sheet at $7.50 .

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 the countries' stamps grows significantly or not.


A nation of 16 million, Kazakhstan is known to many outsiders from the somewhat demeaning film comedy "Borat." It is the 9th largest country in the world, with a territory greater than that of Western Europe, although its population density is less than 15 per square mile. Kazakhstan has plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, iron, and gold. It also has a major agricultural sector, and is the seventh largest producer of grain. Annual GDP growth has averaged 6% 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 and organization page at Facebook. These host lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and are also excellent venues for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Czechoslovakia 1921 Special Delivery Issue on White Paper (Scott #E1a-3a)

In 1918 and 1920, the newly formed nation of Czechoslovakia issued its first stamps, which were imperforate, and among which were its first special delivery stamps (Scott #E1-3). The stamps pictured Doves, appropriate symbols of the hope for peace following the senseless carnage of World War I, were issued on yellow paper, and are extremely common. However, in 1921, a special set of 3 was issued on white paper (Scott #E1a-3a). Only 12,500 of these "white paper" sets were issued, and Scott '11 values them unused at $113.25 . It is likely that they were produced mainly to generate revenue from sales to stamp collectors, but as with many such issues from countries with generally conservative stamp-issuing policies, the stain of questionable legitimacy gradually fades with the passage of time, until no one cares anymore.

Stamps of Czechoslovakia are very popular among collectors in Europe, and I expect that the number of stamps collectors in "former Czechoslovakia" will continue to grow.

The end of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989 was followed by the country's dissolution and division into two successor states- the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovakia. With among the most developed industrialized economies in Eastern Europe, these republics have a combined population of about 16 million. They have privatized most of its formerly state-owned industries and have maintained annual GDP growth of around 4% over the past 5 years.

I view this set as a low-risk bet on the two republics' continued long-term economic development.

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: Cochin China (Scott #1-5)

There are some stamp-issuing entities which issued only a few stamps, making it simple (though not necessarily inexpensive) to form complete collections of them. Such is the case with Cochin China, a former French colony encompassing the southern third of Vietnam, for which the French issued five stamps from 1886-88. Stamps of the colony were superseded by those of Indo-China in 1892.

The five (Scott #1-5) are all French Colonies General Issue stamps surcharged for use in the colony, and though printing quantities are not known, I would estimate that they were produced in the low thousands (for #1, the scarcest), to between ten and twenty thousand for the others. Scott '11 Catalog values for the stamps unused total $430.-.

In addition to the basic stamps, six surcharge errors are known. The inverted surcharge of the 5c on 25c yellow on straw (surcharge type "b"- Scott #3a; CV= $200.- ) is the most common, and perhaps a few hundred exist. The five surcharge errors of #4- the 5c on 25c black on rose, surcharge type "c"- are all very rare to extremely rare. All of the surcharge errors should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization.

All stamps of this former colony are worthwhile investments, especially the surcharge errors, which have been overlooked because of their obscurity and because they rarely come up for auction. Stamps of Cochin China have multiple market appeal to collectors of French Colonies, Indochina, and Vietnam.


Vietnam is a nation of 86 million people which is in transition from a command economy to a market-driven one. It is still a relatively poor country, with an annual GDP of $ 280 billion. Deep poverty, defined as a proportion of the population living under $1 per day, has declined significantly and is now proportionally smaller than that of China, India, and the Philippines. Annual GDP growth has been impressive, averaging about 7.5% over the past five years, and it is likely that Vietnam will have one of the fastest growing economies over the next several decades. Manufacturing, information technology, and high-tech industries are rapidly growing sectors. Though a relative newcomer to the oil business, Vietnam is now third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, with an output of 400,000 barrels per day.


Interest in the better stamps of Indochina and Vietnam has been upstaged by the recent feeding frenzy of the Chinese stamp market. This relative neglect represents a buying opportunity.

Stamp Investment Tip: Kazakhstan 2005 Hunting Dogs pair (Scott #495)

In 2005, Kazakhstan issued a pair of stamps picturing hunting dogs (Scott #495). 30,000 pairs were issued, and Scott '11 values the unused pair at $7.25.

As "Pet Topicals," Dogs are among the most popular sub-categories of Animal Topicals, and that, combined with the inexpensiveness of the pair, makes it a very low-risk speculation. Animals are the most popular stamp collecting topic in the world, and since pet ownership is growing, especially in the emerging market nations, I think that Dog and Cat topicals will become more popular as well. A recent article about pet ownership in China cited research showing that the percentage of Chinese owning dogs increased by 40% from 1999 to 2004 (from 5% to 7%). It seems reasonable to assume that as the middle class grows in developing countries, more people will be able to afford keeping a pet, and therefore more stamp collectors will collect dog and cat topicals.


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.


A nation of 16 million, Kazakhstan is known to many outsiders from the somewhat demeaning film comedy "Borat." It is the 9th largest country in the world, with a territory greater than that of Western Europe, although its population density is less than 15 per square mile. Kazakhstan has plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, iron, and gold. It also has a major agricultural sector, and is the seventh largest producer of grain. Annual GDP growth has averaged 6% 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: Bolivia 1868-69 Arms (Scott #10-14, 15-19)

In 1868 and '69, Bolivia issued its first perforated stamps, two sets picturing its coat of arms and either nine or eleven stars (Scott #10-14 and #15-19). In each, the 500 centavos Black high value is particularly scarce, as only 2,000 of #14 and fewer than 1,000 of #19 were issued. Scott '11 values the unused sets at $1,222.50 and $3,643.- respectively, and the high values at $1,000.- and $3,500.- .

I recommend purchase of either set or high value. There were very few collectors of Bolivian stamps 140 years ago, and I'd be astounded if more than a couple hundred of either 500 centavos stamp remains. As with all Latin American issues, there are many collectors who focus on the region as a whole, which supplements demand for the better stamps of the individual countries. Although I'm not aware of any counterfeits of the the 500 centavos stamps, it might prudent to purchase either conditional on obtaining expertization.

A nation of about 11 million people, Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, despite being rich in natural resources. Along with substantial reserves of silver and tin, Bolivia has the second largest natural gas reserves in South America and 50%-70% of the world's lithium, for which demand is expected to rise significantly over the next decades, because of its use in making batteries for electric vehicles. Since 1985, the government of Bolivia has implemented a far-reaching program of macroeconomic stabilization and structural reform aimed at maintaining price stability, creating conditions for sustained growth, encouraging foreign investment, and alleviating scarcity. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.6% over the last 5 years.

I have begun a new blog, " The Stamp Specialist ", featuring my buy lists for stamps which I wish to purchase, including some Bolivian stamps. I haven't listed the sets recommended in this article, but would be very interested in purchasing either of them, with certificates for the 500 centavos stamps, if offered at a reasonable price. Periodically viewing dealers' buy lists is an excellent way to remained informed about the state of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Cook Islands 1893-94 Queen Makea Takau (Scott #9-14)

From 1893 through 1894, the Cook Islands issued a set of definitives picturing Queen Makea Takau (Scott #9-14). Only 7,200 sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $224.- .

The set is seldom found in any condition, and it wouldn't surprise me if fewer than 1,000 remain. Note that rough perfs and poor centering are typical of this issue, so attempt to purchase the set that is centered Fine or better.

While the population of the Cook Islands (about 20,000) is probably too low to sustain much of a stamp collecting population, there is significant demand for its stamps among collectors of British Commonwealth in general and in New Zealand in particular, because the islands were a dependency of New Zealand for many years, and still have strong links to that nation.

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. 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. According to a recent UN Report of Global Aging, the percentage of New Zealanders aged 60 and over is projected to rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.

General Commentary: Faith in Religion (on Stamps)

"One man's faith is another man's fortune." The axiom not only refers to televangelists, cult leaders, Afterlife insurance salesmen, New Age gurus, and other purveyors of theological snake oil, but also has possible implications for the philatelic investor.


Religion on stamps is the sixth most popular topical collecting area in the U.S., according to a survey done by the American Topical Association. While comparable data for the world as a whole is unavailable, it is likely that Religion ranks high among the world's most popular collecting topics. Aside from the normal criteria for determining whether to invest in a particular issue (described in my earlier article, "Practical Advice: Stamp Investment Criteria"), three more are useful when considering topicals related to a particular religion:

1) the population of adherents worldwide;

2) economic trends affecting that population, especially growth of a middle class;

3) the growth/decline of the religion and/or level of interest/participation among its members (the data cited below is for 2000-2005, and is from Wikipedia's article- "Major Religious Groups);


Each of the major religions represent potential sources of demand for the topicals that relate to them, and the characteristics of the markets created by their adherent/collector populations differ. A detailed analysis would be advisable as preliminary to investing funds in any of them, but for now we'll make do with a brief overview. Several of the "belief systems" described below reside in a gray area between religion and philosophy, but qualify for consideration because they've adopted theocentric or spiritual elements since their inception, and more importantly, because they inspire devotion among hundreds of millions of followers. I've listed the belief systems in order of member population.

1) Christianity (approximately 2 billion to 2.2 billion adherents) : from a philatelic investment perspective, a mixed bag; according to Wikipedia, the number of Christians grew by a rate of 1.32% from 2000 to 2005 - less than the population growth rate of the world as a whole (1.41%). While there are themes which may be popular to Christians generally (Old/New Testament scenes, religious figures/saints, churches, holidays) the heterogeneity of the religion and its demographic subtrends necessitates a closer look at its main branches.:

• a) Roman Catholicism (approx. 1.2 billion) - growing in the U.S., and prevalent in much of the developing world - Latin America, the Philippines, some parts of Africa; related topicals should be bolstered by economic growth in these areas;




• b) Protestantism (approx. 600 million) - prevalent in much of Northern Europe, the U.S., making inroads in Latin America and Africa;
  
  


• c) Orthodox Churches (approx. 300 million)- prevalent in Russia, much of Eastern Europe, and Greece; related topicals represent a bet on the economic development of Russia and the Slavic and part-Slavic nations of Eastern Europe;
  

2) Islam (approx. 1.6 billion)- according to Wikipedia, Islam is the fastest growing major religion in the world, with a 2000-2005 growth rate of 1.84%. Even more compelling is the placement of the religion mostly within nations throughout Asia, Africa, and Australasia that should continue to enjoy rapid economic development over the coming decades. It should be noted that as the secularist Western belief in the "separation of Church and State" is not generally recognized in Islam, prominent Moslems need not be religious leaders in order to qualify as subjects for Islamic topical stamps. Other likely subjects include: mosques, minarets, and other holy sites, and Islamic art.

3) Hinduism (approx. 900 million)- the fourth fastest growing religion in the world (1.57% from 2000-2005). Hinduism topicals will likely be bolstered by India's rapid economic growth. Topics include: Hindu gods, religious figures, holy places/temples.

4) Buddhism (estimates range from 350 million to about 1 billion) - Buddhist topicals should be bolstered by the rapid economic development of the Far East; it also has a foot in the door in the West, as it is beginning to attract converts among the middle and upper classes; Topics include: the Buddha and Bodhisattvas (Buddhist saints), temples.

5) Confucianism/Taoism (approx. 400 million)- widespread in China , and the countries culturally influenced by China (Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam), all of which are likely to prosper over the long-term; topics include: Confucius, Lao Tze, holy places/shrines, etc..

6) Shinto (approx. 40 million)- the prospects for Shintoism Topicals are wholly dependent upon the growth of stamp collecting in Japan. Topics include: holy sites, shrines.

7) Sikhism (approx. 26 million)- the third fastest growing religion (2000-2005 rate of 1.62%), and significant in that most adherents live in India, and will participate in that country's projected explosive economic growth. Topics include: Guru Nanak, prominent Sikhs, temples/holy sites.

8) Judaism (approx. 16 million) - the World Jewish population is static; however, a relatively high percentage of Jews collect stamps; also, certain Old Testament themes may appeal to Christian collectors as well; Israel is popular, of course, and topics include: prominent Jews, holidays, Jewish history.

9) Jainism (approx. 10 million)- most live in India, which has issued a few stamps commemorating prominent Jains and temples.

10) Bahai Faith (approx. 7.5 million) - the world's second fastest growing religion (1.72% from 2000-2005); worldwide dispersion- about 35% live in India, and 5% in Iran; currently, I am not aware of any stamps honoring the religion.

11) Cao Dai (approx. 4 million) - I note this Vietnamese religion mainly because of Vietnam's stellar economic growth over the last few decades, and its prospects for even greater prosperity in the years to come.


In summary, whether one is a believer, an agnostic, atheist, or convert to the insidious new cult of stamp collecting, the philatelic investor may be truly blessed if he worships at the altar of demographic data regarding religions, and always makes the trend his friend.