Stamp Investment Tip: Venezuela 1943 Habilitado Surcharge (Scott #384-87)

In 1943, Venezuela surcharged four stamps from earlier issues, creating a set which was sold primarily to stamp collectors (Scott #384-87). 6,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $137.50 .

It is highly probable that most, if not all, of the sets still exist. Nevertheless, its low issuance quantity makes it a good bet on the growth of interest in stamps of Venezuela as well as those of Latin America in general.

With a population of about 26 million, Venezuela is resource-rich, and consistently ranks among the top ten oil producers in the world. Annual GDP growth has averaged almost 10% over the last 5 years, although it has been decelerating recently due to lower oil prices. Under Chavez-style quasi-socialism, the percentage of Venezuelans living below the poverty line has decreased from 48% in 2002 to 30% in 2006. The country has begun diversifying its economy away from its current near-total dependence on petroleum exports, and has spawned a rapidly growing manufacturing sector.

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

I encourage those interested in learning more about investing in stamps to view my book, A Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5 on Kindle).

Stamp Investment Tip: Cook Islands 1919 Maori Surcharge (Scott #48-60)

In 1919, New Zealand surcharged thirteen stamps of its 1909-19 issues for use in its dependency, the Cook Islands (Scott #48-60). To facilitate use of the stamps by the native islanders, the surcharge utilized Cook Islands Maori language, also known as Rarotongan, or Te reo Ipukarea, literally "the language of the Ancestral Homeland." The set is commonly known as the "Polynesian Surcharge Issue", although this is imprecise, since there are some 40 Polynesian languages. 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices it unused at $27.90.

The engraved stamps of this set (Scott #53-57, 59-60) were produced with two different perf. sizes per sheet, perf. 14X14 1/2 and 14 x 13 1/2, and pairs and blocks of four containing examples with both perf sizes are desirable.

The set should do well based on their appeal to British Commonwealth collectors and demand from New Zealand.

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. The percentage of New Zealanders aged 60 and over will rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.

Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. 1946-50 Migratory Waterfowl Stamps with Plate Number on Reverse of Selvedge (Scott #RW13-17var.)

The fact that knowledge is power applies to many aspects of life, and it especially holds true when it comes to the market for collectibles, including stamps. One of the most exciting aspects of the hobby is that every once in a while, one may find scarce varieties priced as normal stamps.

Beginning in 1946, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Permit Stamps, otherwise known as Duck Stamps,
with messages on the back (gum side) of the stamps instructing hunters to sign them on the front. From 1946 to 1950 (for Scott #RW13-17), "PL. 47510" (Plate #47510) was printed on the back of the selvedge attached to one stamp in each sheet (Position 24 on the upper right pane).

The Duck stamps of this period were issued in sheets of 4 panes, each of which contained 28 stamps. Hence, for each of these five issues, only one out of every 112 stamps was attached to the selvedge bearing the plate number printed on the gum side. Until recently, these stamps were ignored by the vast majority of duck stamp collectors, who now collect them as plate blocks of six and plate number singles. Album publishers also ignored the varieties. I've discussed these stamps with several dealers who specialize in duck stamps, and the consensus among them is that perhaps 2%-4% of the initial quantity remain, at most. The Scott U.S. Specialized Catalog describes and prices the plate blocks of these stamps in a note following RW12.

I've listed the five stamps, along with the Scott '11 values for Plate Blocks of 6, the quantities issued for each stamp and the positional variety, and the estimated range of quantities remaining below:

• 1946 $1 Redhead Ducks (RW13) - 2,816,041 issued; $550.00 ; 25,143 vars. issued; Est. 500-1,000 remain;
• 1947 $1 Snow Geese (RW14) - 1,722,677 issued; $550.00 ; 15,381 vars. issued; Est. 300-600 remain;
• 1948 $1 Buffleheads (RW15) - 2,127,603 issued; $550.00 ; 18,996 vars. issued; Est. 375-750 remain;
• 1949 $2 Goldeneye Ducks (RW16) - 1,954,734 issued; $550.00 ; 17,453 vars. issued; Est. 350-700 remain;
• 1950 $2 Trumpeter Swans (RW17) - 1,903,644 issued; $1,500.00 ; 16,997 vars. issued; Est. 350-700 remain;

I believe these positional varieties to be an excellent investment if purchased at their current catalog values, and advise collectors to keep a lookout for the varieties priced as the normal stamps by dealers who are ignorant of them.

The Duck Stamp collecting community is interesting because it represents an atypical crossover market which includes collectors of general U.S. stamps and U.S. Revenues, along with collectors of Duck hunting memorabilia and Wildlife art. Because the sales of the stamps protect wildlife habitats, it may be considered a "green" collectible, and Duck stamp collecting is actively promoted by the Fish and Wildlife Service. There are currently about 8,000 to 10,000 "serious" Duck stamp collectors in the U.S., and many others who buy them to them to fill spaces in their general U.S. albums.

I wish to thank Bob Dumaine, President of Sam Houston Philatelics, for providing much of the information used in this article.


Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: British East Africa 1890-94 Sun and Crown (Scott #14-30)

The Imperial British East Africa Company administered the territory which was later to become Kenya from 1888 to 1895, when the territory became a British protectorate. Between 1890 and '94, the Company issued a set of seventeen stamps picturing a sun and crown, symbolizing "Light and Liberty" (Scott #14-30). 1,500 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $752.50 . Most of the stamps in the set had printings in the mid-10,000s, but the two key stamps, the 8a Gray (Scott #24 ; CV=$350.00) and the 1r Gray (Scott #26; CV=$275.00) had printings of 1,500 and 2,400, respectively.

I recommend either purchase of the complete set, if found in F-VF or better, LH condition, or the key stamps individually. The set represents a conservative investment based on the growth of British Commonwealth collecting alone, but should a significant collecting population develop within Kenya, it will do very well indeed.

A nation of 41 million people, Kenya has the largest GDP in East and Central Africa. The country traditionally produces world renowned tea and coffee, and more recently has become a major exporter of fresh flowers to Europe. It is generally perceived as Eastern and Central Africa's hub for financial, communication and transportation services, and has a service industry driven by a steadily growing tourism sector. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 5% over the past five years.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.

Stamp Investment Tip: Jamaica 1897 Victoria (Scott #28-30)

I'm initiating coverage of Jamaica with a set of high values which the British issued for their colony to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897 (Scott #28-30). Only 9,120 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $104.50 .

These three stamps (1sh, 2sh, and 5sh) were pricey for the time, and while it is possible that some may have been purchased by well-heeled collectors, it is likely that many were used as postage to send heavy packages and then discarded. The set represents a conservative investment based solely upon the growth in interest in stamps of the British Commonwealth. Should a significant collecting population develop among Jamaicans, it's value will be given an added boost.

An island nation with just under 3 million people, Jamaica is a mixed economy with both state enterprises and private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and financial and insurance services. Economic growth has been flat over the past 5 years, in part due to the recent global economic downturn.

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: Luxembourg 1952 Postage Stamp Centenary (Scott #C16-20)

In 1952, Luxembourg issued a set of five airmails commemorating the centenary of its postage stamps (Scott #C16-20). 37,416 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $55.30 ($100.00 for NH).

Stamps-on-stamps topicals are very popular worldwide, and although Luxembourg is a small country, its stamps are widely collected, especially in the Benelux countries.

A nation of about a half a million people, Luxembourg has a highly developed economy, with the world's second highest GDP per capita. Its stable, high-income economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, which was dominated until the 1960s by steel, has diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. During the past decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking and other financial exports, account for the majority of economic output. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.3% over the last 5 years, despite a major recent contraction due to the global financial crisis.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

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

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

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

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

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Kyrgyzstan 2003 Artifacts Souvenir Sheet (Scott #205)

In 2003, Kyrgyzstan issued a souvenir sheet picturing Kyrgyz artifacts found by archeologists (Scott #205). Only 3,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused sheet at $10.00 .

The miniature sheet is a very scarce Art 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 5.5 million, Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest country in Central Asia. It has had economic difficulties following independence from the Soviet Union, as a result of the breakup of the Soviet trading bloc and resulting loss of markets, which impeded the republic's transition to a free market economy. Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, and the country also has substantial deposits of coal, gold, uranium, antimony, and other valuable minerals. In addition, the country's plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. Overall, the government appears committed to the transition to a market economy,and economic performance has improved considerably in the last decade, although the country was hit by the global financial crisis in the last two. Annual GDP growth has averaged 2.8% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Uruguay 1930 Centenary of Independence (Scott #394-409)

In 1930, Uruguay issued a handsome set of sixteen stamps celebrating its Centenary of Independence (Scott #394-409). 3,006 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the set unused at $105.40.

The set is grossly undervalued, especially considering that there are many collectors of Latin America who focus on the region as a whole. It is very likely that many were used as postage and discarded.

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: Philippines 1979 Birds (Scott #1392-97)

In 1979, the Philippines issued an attractive set of stamps featuring Native Birds (Scott #1392-97). Only 50,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $28.90. Most were probably used as postage and discarded.

From the perspective of philatelic history, the Philippines is interesting because it has issued stamps under Spanish dominion, U.S. Administration, Japanese Occupation, and as an independent nation. It is also compelling as an area of research for the philatelic investor, because of its rapid economic growth, and because it has issued a number of scarce yet overlooked issues, including some modern popular topical sets, such as the Birds set featured in this article.

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

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for the Philippines, and it includes the set and souvenir sheet 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.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

General Commentary: Has the Bull in the China Shop Met His Matador?

Happy, productive stamp collectors heroically marching
together on a single path to a glorious philatelic utopia
(JK)

Since October of 2010, the People's Bank of China has raised interest rates five times in an effort to combat inflation. This tightening of monetary policy has led to a deceleration of economic growth in the P.R.C., and has been a factor in the global economic recession.

There have been reports that this deceleration of growth has also dampened prices for Chinese collectibles, including stamps, that the once white-hot P.R.C. stamp market has cooled somewhat, and that dealer buy prices for many items have dropped by 20%-30%.

In a March, 2010 StampSelector blog article ("General Commentary - the Bull in the China Shop"), I commented on the dramatic price increases for P.R.C. material, and noted buy prices for several souvenir sheets and Cultural Revolution issues. I've re-listed these items below, along with current buy prices.

(Prices are for VF NH)

1958 Kuan Han-ching s/s (Scott #357a):

2004: $ 65.00
2006: $ 75.00
2007: $ 85.00
2008: $ 130.00
March, 2010: $ 215.00 ; April, 2010: $ 340.00
September, 2011: $ 650.00
January, 2012: $660.00

1961 Table Tennis s/s (Scott #566a):

2004: $ 180.00
2206: $ 225.00
2007: $ 225.00
2008: $ 275.00
March, 2010: $ 800.00; April,2010: $ 1,180.00
August, 2011: $ 1,500.00
January, 2012: $ 1,400.00


1962 Mei Lan-fang s/s (Scott #628):

2004: $ 1,800.00
2006: $ 2,500.00
2007: $ 3,000.00
March, 2010: $ 10,000.00; April, 2010: $ 11,000.00
August, 2011: $ 25,000.00
January, 2012: $ 25,000.00

1964 Peonies s/s (Scott #782):

2004: $ 400.00
2006: $ 500.00
2007: $ 500.00
March, 2010: $ 2,000.00; April, 2010: $ 3,650.00
August, 2011: $ 3,750.00
January, 2012: $ 4,100.00

1967 Thoughts of Chairman Mao- unfolded strip of 5 (Scott #948a):

2004: $ 325.00
2006: $ 750.00
2007: $ 750.00
March, 2010: $ 2,500.00; April, 2010: $ 3,300.00
August, 2011: $ 5,000.00
January, 2012: 8,000.00


1967-68 Poems by Chairman Mao (Scott #967-80):

2004: $ 475.00
2006: $ 800.00
2007: $ 800.00
2008: $ 1,300.00
March, 2010: $ 2,200.00; April, 2010: $ 3,000.00
September, 2011: $ 4,275.00
January, 2012: $ 5,350.00

1968: "The Entire Nation is Red" (Scott #999A):

2004: $ 8,000.00
2006: $ 10,000.00
2007: $ 10,000.00
March, 2010: $ $ 60,000.00; April, 2010: $ 75,000.00
September, 2011: $ 150,000.00
January, 2012: $ 170,000.00

1978 Science Conference s/s (Scott #1383a):

2004: $ 140.00
2006: $ 150.00
2007: $ 160.00
March, 2010: $ 400.00; April, 2010: $ 490.00
August, 2011: $ 550.00
January, 2012: $ 540.00

1979 Study Science s/s (Scott #1518):

2004: $ 300.00
2006: $ 510.00
March, 2010: $ 1,600.00; April, 2010: $1,950.00
August, 2011: $ 2,350.00
January, 2012: $ 2,300.00

1980 Year of the Monkey (Scott #1586):

2004: $ 100.00
2006: $ 215.00
2007: $ 200.00
March, 2010: $ 800.00; April, 2010: $975.00
August, 2011: $ 1,600.00

January, 2012: $ 1,550.00

According to my sampling, the buy prices for the key items selected remain very strong, but it is possible that this selection of key items is not representative, or that it doesn't take into account fluctuations which may have occurred on a shorter term basis, or during months for which buy prices were not noted. A few items seem to have stabilized or declined slightly, while others continued to increase in value.

My view is that if there has been a dampening in the P.R.C. stamp market, it will prove to be a temporary phenomenon, assuming that the market's fundamentals aren't undermined by extreme political instability. The key items of the P.R.C. may soar more rapidly skyward, like an awakened dragon, after China's monetary policy is relaxed. For those who wish to take a more conservative approach, I recommend focusing on better items of Imperial China and foreign offices in China, which have increased more steadily over time.

In the long run, the 64 million yuan question will be whether the P.R.C. will be able to maintain a politically and socially stable society in the midst of dramatic social and economic change. It is likely that the government will manage to succeed in its traditional policy of balancing repression and gradual reform, but if the economy falters and expectations of future growth are dashed, then, to paraphrase Robert Graves, all of the poisons which lurk in the mud could hatch out.

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

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

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

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

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

Stamp Investment Tip: There's Nothing Silly About Cilicia

During World War I, the British and the French occupied Cilicia, a territory of the Ottoman Empire, and in 1919, the administration of it was transferred to the French. It was later assigned to the French Mandated territory of Syria, but eventually reverted to Turkey.

From 1919 to '21, the French issued stamps for Cilicia by overprinting the Turkish stamps that they'd found in the local post offices. Fortunately for later stamp collectors insane enough to consider themselves philatelic investors, the French kept records of the quantities of many of the new stamps that they produced. Cilician stamps range from very rare to scarce, even for some of the cheapest ones, with quantities issued ranging from under 100 to 100,000, and with most with quantities issued in the thousands to low ten thousands. I've listed many of these in the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, on the French Colonies/Area page.

I believe stamps of Cilicia to be undervalued considering their scarcity and multiple market appeal to collectors of French Colonies, Turkey, and possibly Syria. Their main drawback (and a major reason for their undervaluation) is that they're all overprints, and fakes exist. Consequently, I recommend purchase of those stamps of Cilicia which catalog $200 or more, conditional on obtaining expertization, because the expertization cost is not justified for the less expensive stamps. Quantities issued on the stamps which cat. $200+ range from 50 (for the 1920 Airs) to 2,000.

I view the future growth of the Turkish economy and stamp market as the most likely catalyst for significant increases in the values of better stamps of Cilicia.

With a population of about 72 1/2 million, Turkey is perhaps the most culturally European of the Islamic nations, and a likely model for their modernization, economic development, and democratization. The country experienced rapid economic growth between 2002 and 2007, with GDP averaging 7.4%, but this slowed in 2008 to 5% and stalled in 2009 to 1%, due to the global financial crisis, from which the country is recovering. While traditional agriculture is still a pillar of the Turkish economy, it is becoming more dependent on industry. Key sectors include tourism, banking, construction, home appliances, electronics, textiles, oil refining, petrochemical products, food, mining, iron and steel, the machine industry, automotive, and shipbuilding. It is likely that in the future, Turkey will benefit from serving as an economic and cultural nexus connecting Europe, the Near East, and the Turkic (formerly Soviet) nations of Central Asia.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.

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

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

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

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

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

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Russia 1934 Stratosphere Disaster Issue (Scott #C50-52)

In 1934, Russia issued a set of three airmail stamps honoring the victims of a tragic ballooning disaster (Scott #C50-52).

Osoaviakhim-1 was a record-setting, hydrogen-filled Soviet high-altitude balloon designed to seat a crew of three and perform scientific studies of the Earth's stratosphere. On January 30, 1934, on its maiden flight which lasted over 7 hours, the balloon reached an altitude of 22,000 metres (72,000 ft). During the descent the balloon lost its buoyancy and plunged into an uncontrolled fall, disintegrating in the lower atmosphere. The three crew members- I.D. Usyskin, A.B. Vasenko, and P.F. Fedoseinko- were probably incapacitated by high g-forces in a rapidly rotating gondola, failed to bail out, and were killed by a high-speed ground impact.

100,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $150.00. The vast majority were probably used as postage and discarded. The set has obvious appeal to Aviation topicalists.

Note that a Perf. 14 set, which is probably a hundred times scarcer than the normal set (Perf. 11), was also issued. The price of the Perf. 14 set (Scott #C50a-52a) is truly stratospheric, however, as it cats. at $30,110.00 for unused.

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, including a major economic contraction of about 8% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Even accounting for 2009, annual GDP growth over the last 5 years has averaged about 3.4%. 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 Tip: India 1900 China Expeditionary Force Overprint (Scott #M1-10)

As with the other colonial powers smuggling opium into China, bribing corrupt officials, and generally making a mockery of Chinese sovereignty during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Great Britain maintained "spheres of influence" within China, and maintained post offices there and in Hong Kong. This understandably led to some resentment among the Chinese who attempted to forcibly eject the foreign parasites. The abortive Boxer Rebellion (1898-1901) was crushed by the multinational China Expeditionary Force, to which the various colonial powers had contributed personnel. In a truly British combination of efficiency with a sense of humor, Great Britain added Indian units to the C.E.F., thereby setting one colonized and exploited people against another.

In 1900, a set of ten Victoria definitives from India's regular issues of 1882-99 were overprinted for use by the C.E.F. (Scott #M1-10). 13,717 sets were sold, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $100.70.

The set has potential appeal in three growing markets: collectors of British Commonwealth, India, and China. Many of the best investments in Indian stamps are to be found among the obscure colonial back-of-book items and the Convention States. The Indian stamp market is really just beginning to take off, and is at a stage similar to the Chinese stamp market of 30 years ago.

The set should also do well based upon demand from China, but that may require a change in attitude on the part of Chinese collectors. Many, if not all, of the better foreign offices in China stamps are grossly undervalued, because most Chinese collectors disdain them as relics of foreign imperialism, which they are. Nevertheless, I feel that they are excellent investments solely on the basis of growing demand in their home countries, and because I believe that eventually, the Chinese will bid them up as well. Many of these issues are undervalued to such an extent that they are currently selling for less than P.R.C. souvenir sheets and Cultural Revolution sets which are at least 30 to 100 times more common. When reticence begins to replace rage, they will zoom upward at a rate that will shock and amaze the the vast majority of collectors who unwisely neglected to read this blog.

Stamp Investment Tip: Azerbaijan 2001 Olympic Medalists Souvenir Sheet (Scott #713)

In January of 2001, Azerbaijan issued a flashy souvenir sheet honoring the Azerbaijani Olympic medalists of the Sydney, Australia Olympics of the previous year (Scott #713). 25,000 were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $5.75.

The sheet has obvious topical appeal for Sports and Olympics collectors, as well as being an inexpensive bet on the growth of Azerbaijan's economy. Recommending it is consistent with my belief that one of the best ways to play the new and newly resurrected countries of Europe and Asia is to focus on popular topicals with low printings.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Stamp Investment Tip: Switzerland 1940 National Fete Day Souvenir Sheet (Scott # B105)

In 1940, Switzerland issued a semi-postal souvenir sheet honoring National Fete Day (Scott #B105). 75,384 sheets were issued, and Scott '12 prices it unused at $ .

Proceeds from the non-postal surtax funded the Swiss National Fund and the Red Cross, thereby rendering this issue a Red Cross topical.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers, members and staff worldwide which was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without any discrimination based on nationality, race, sex, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. From a philatelic investment perspective, the support of almost 100 million of people for this movement creates a significant collector base for better Red Cross/Red Crescent topicals.


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. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 1.6% over the last five years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1931 Coup Anniversary Overprint (Scott #399-405)

On September 6, 1930, Argentina experienced a coup d'etat which the Argentine military, aided by Standard Oil, deposed President Hipolito Yrigoyen, the country's first elected leader. This resulted in the rule of a quasi-fascist, authoritarian regime during a period known in Argentina as the "Infamous Decade."

In September of 1931, six stamps were overprinted to celebrate the first anniversary of the coup (Scott #399-405). 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $85.50. Like many better items of Latin America, the set is grossly undervalued, and serves as a poignant reminder of the fact that multinational corporations have often opposed democracy in Latin America by installing or supporting profitable dictatorships.


I continue to favor all better stamps of Latin America as bets on the growth of the region's middle class. Demand for the stamps of the individual countries is bolstered by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region as a whole.

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 over 6%. However, over the last 20 years Argentina has weathered several major debt crises and recessions.


I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for Argentina, 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: Tahiti 1882-1915 Issues

Tahiti was first visited by Europeans in 1767, who later colonized the island and imported the wondrous benefits of Western civilization, including typhus, influenza, smallpox, alcoholism, prostitution, and Christianity. This disrupted the society of the generally friendly and easy-going native population, over 80% of whom were wiped out.

The French annexed the island in 1843, and brutally crushed a rebellion by the ungrateful natives. In 1882, the French began issuing stamps for Tahiti, by overprinting their French Colonies General Issues. Thirty-one regular postage stamps, two semi-postals, and twenty six postage dues were issued, and all of Tahiti's stamps which catalog $50 or more had printings ranging from extremely low (less than 100) for the most expensive, to modest (low thousands) for the least. The printing quantities of many of these stamps are noted in the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantitites Issued List (under the France and Colonies category).

I recommend purchase of all stamps of Tahiti cataloging $250 or more. This includes many of the regular issues, the 1915 15c Blue Semi-postal (Scott #B1), and all of the Postage Due stamps. As fake overprints exist, these stamps should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization. Though rather plain-looking, stamps of Tahiti  are eagerly sought after by collectors of French Colonies, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific area in general.

General Commentary: Demographic Trends Favoring a Multi-Decade Bull Market in Stamps

In the 2009 StampSelector article "General Commentary: Demographics and the Stamp Market", I described demographic trends which determined whether a particular country's stamps would tend to rise or decline in value. As I am now convinced that various long-term global trends favor a multi-decade bull market for better stamps in general, I've decided to summarize some of the most important of these trends:

1) The Rise of a Global Middle Class: I've noted this trend in several articles, including "General Commentary: When Does a Collector Become an Investor?" The basic thrust of the argument is that democratization and the emergence of a global middle class, especially in rapidly developing countries that were once considered part of the "Third World", is bringing tens of millions of people into the philatelic fold.

2) Global Aging: I described this trend in the article "General Commentary: The Aging Population and the Coming Stamp Market Boom", which notes the tendency of many collectors to begin young, put the hobby on hold for several decades, and then return to it on a more serious basis later in life, implying that the population of stamp collectors will increase as the proportion of middle-aged and elderly people grows.

3) The Growth of the Internet: while there is no substitute for actually examining stamps before purchasing them, the buying and selling of stamps online has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. Stamps are a nearly ideal commodity for online trading, as they are small, flat, and easy to scan. While the risk of purchasing overgraded stamps still exists, many venues, including Ebay, give buyers with the right to return stamps for a refund, and may also provide feedback or references. An ever-increasing wealth of accessible information may be found online, as well the opportunity to join collector groups and clubs via social networking. These changes have revolutionized collectibles markets in general, and will continue to do so as more and more people gain Internet access. It is all quite astounding when one considers that only 20 years ago, a collector had to amass a substantial philatelic library in order to have access to information that is now free, that he probably attended only one or two local stamp clubs (if any), and that the only convenient means of disposing of his collection were either by selling it to a dealer or through a stamp auctioneer.

4) Increasing Social and Technological Complexification: the rapid social and technological advances of recent years and the unprecedented dynamism of Modern Society have their drawbacks, including higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Clearly, many in our society suffer from "complexity burn-out," and do well to seek out activities which are refreshingly simple, relaxing, and enjoyable. Stamp collecting has been used as a form of therapy to help handicapped and autistic children, and a charitable organization, "Stamps for the Wounded", promotes stamp collecting among wounded soldiers in hospitals, in order to raise their morale and help them to heal more quickly. Whether as a form of mental health maintenance or simply as recreation, Philately offers an attractive alternative for those who are tired of the noise and inanity of television or video games.

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. 2005 $15 Mini-sheet (RW72b)

In 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the first Duck Stamp Mini-sheet (Scott #RW72b). The sheet was issued with little fanfare, and most Duck Stamp collectors did not even realize that it even existed until it had sold out. 1,000 mini-sheets were issued and signed by the artist, and Scott '12 prices the unused sheet at $2,000.00.

This is, by far, the scarcest Duck stamp item ever issued by the Federal Government, and will probably remain a key for some time to come.

The Duck Stamp collecting community is interesting because it represents an atypical crossover market which includes collectors of general U.S. stamps, U.S. Revenues, Duck hunting collectibles and Wildlife art. Because revenues from the sales of the stamps are used to purchase and protect wildlife habitats, it may be considered a "green" collectible, and Duck stamp collecting is actively promoted by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. I estimate that currently there are between 8,000 to 10,000 "serious" Duck stamp collectors in the U.S., and many others who buy them to them to fill spaces in their general U.S. albums.

Coincidentally, the Scott value of the sheet and the price of an ounce of gold are about the same. However, over time, humans have produced about 10 billion ounces of gold, enough to fill a cube 82 feet on each side, while there are only 1,000 of RW72b, enough to comprise a small stack the thickness of a few decks of cards. And, of course, there is plenty more gold to be found, especially if there are advances in mining and refining technology. One might well ask: which investment will glitter more, over the long-term?

I wish to thank Bob Dumaine, President of Sam Houston Philatelics, for providing much of the information used in this article.


Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Sudan 1931-35 Statue of General Gordon (Scott #C4-15)

From 1931-35, Sudan issued an attractive set of 15 airmail stamps picturing a statue of General Charles "Chinese" Gordon sitting atop a camel (Scott #C4-15). 35,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $53.40.

The set has potential dual market appeal among collectors of British Commonwealth and collectors of Sudan.

Until recently, Sudan was a nation of about 42 million people, living under what is perhaps the most vicious regime on the planet. It had suffered several civil wars over the last 50 years, including the one waged in Darfur, which earned the government international condemnation and charges of genocide. Recently, Southern Sudan (population = 8.2 million) gained independence, and it is unclear whether this will result in a lasting peace. Both countries are rich in oil, natural gas, and minerals. Agricultural production remains the most important sector, employing 80% of the workforce and contributing 39% of GDP, but most farms remain rain-fed and susceptible to drought. Political instability,adverse weather, and weak world agricultural prices ensures that much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years. Annual GDP growth (for Sudan as a whole) has been very high, averaging almost 8% over the last five years. However, it is very likely that most (or all) of the prosperity has benefited only the ruling elite, as Sudan was not only one of the world's most murderous countries, but also one of the most corrupt.

I recommend the set on the basis of its appeal among British Commonwealth collectors, as it's honored subject, General Gordon, gained fame as a martyr for the British Empire. Should a significant collector population ever develop within either of the two Sudans, it would provide an additional catalyst for price appreciation.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.