Stamp Investment Tip: India 2002 UN Climate Change Souvenir Sheet (Scott # 1978a)

In 2002, India issued a souvenir sheet honoring the UN Climate Change Convention, and picturing Indian native trees (Scott #1978a). 50,000 were issued, and Scott ' prices the unused souvenir sheet at $5.00.

All Indian souvenir sheets with printings of 100,000 or fewer should be accumulated, with priority given to those issues which have strong thematic appeal. The UN Climate Change Convention  souvenir sheet is both a United Nations and Flora topical (as well an an "Eco-topical"), and should do very well indeed. India is a rapidly developing nation of over a billion people, and millions of Indian collectors will likely be converted to the insidious cult of Philately over the next decades.

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

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

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

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

   This inexpensive souvenir sheet is an attractive Religion topical.

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

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

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Papua 1934 Declaration of British Protection (Scott #110-13)

In 1934, Australia issued a set of four stamps for Papua, which it was administering, commemorating the 50th anniversary of British protection (Scott #110-13). 60,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $17.10 ($27.50 for NH) .

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.

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.


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. The group and page host lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provide a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Netherlands Antilles 1948 Wilhelmina (Scott #188-98)

   In 1948, the Netherlands Antilles issued a set of eleven stamps portraying Queen Wilhelmina (Scott #188-98). 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $106.10.

   It is likely that most of the sets were used as postage and discarded.

I continue to favor stamps of the European colonies and possessions over the stamps of their mother countries. The quantities issued for the colonies tend to be modest, and worldwide interest in them often grows at a faster rate. For the most part, stamps of the Netherlands Antilles appeals to Netherlands Colonies collectors, but as Curacao is a popular tourist destination, it's likely that in the future, interest in its stamps will grow in the Americas as well.

With about 16.6 million people, the Netherlands is the 16th largest economy in the world. It is an affluent industrial and trading nation, with a well-educated population, and an active stamp collecting community. Its annual GDP growth has averaged about 1% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowing due to the global financial crisis.

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Zanzibar 1952 Issue (Scott #230-43)

 In 1952, Zanzibar issued a set of fourteen stamps honoring Sultan Khalifa bin Harub and the schools named after him (Scott #230-43). 42,961 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $53.45 .

In 1964, Tanganyika joined Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which changed its name to the United Republic of Tanzania in 1965. While it is likely that in the near-term, British Commonwealth collectors will generate most of the demand for stamps of Zanzibar, should a significant stamp collecting community develop within Tanzania, the undervalued stamps of the former protectorate will skyrocket.

Tanzania has a population of about 43 million, and its economy is mostly based on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of the GDP, provides about 75% of exports, and employs approximately 75% of the workforce. Topography and climate, though, limit cultivated crops to only 4% of the land area. The nation has many natural resources including minerals, natural gas, and tourism, and the government has instituted policies to promote development of these sectors. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 6.5% 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 page at Facebook. The page hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Gibraltar 1889 Surcharge (Scott #22-28)

In 1889, the British issued a set of seven surcharged stamps for Gibraltar (Scott #22-28). Only 12,400 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $251.75 .

Gibraltar remains a British overseas territory, with about 30,000 inhabitants. Gibraltar's economy is dominated by four main sectors – financial services, internet gaming, shipping and tourism, and while it is robust, its population is probably too small to host a significant stamp collecting community. Gibraltar's stamps are popular among British Commonwealth collectors, and the better items should do well based upon the growth of that market.

Though I often recommend obtaining expertization when buying stamps with overprints, in this case, expertization is not necessary, since there isn't a significant difference between the value of the basic stamps and that of the surcharged set.

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: Azerbaijan 2007 Polar Bear Souvenir Sheets (Scott #860a, 861)

In 2007, Azerbaijan issued two souvenir sheets picturing Polar Bears (Scott #860a, 861). 10,000 of the first and 30,000 of the second were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheets at $ 15.00 and $ 6.00, respectively.

The topic selection is a bit asinine, since Polar Bears are not native to Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, these sheets make interesting and low-risk speculations based on their appeal as Animal topicals, and as  bets on the economic growth of Azerbaijan and the development of a stamp market there. This recommendation 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.

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: Paraguay 1961 Independence Anniversary (Scott #594-97, C291-93)

 In 1961, Paraguay issued a compound set of  eight stamps in celebration of 150 years of Independence (Scott #595-97, C291-93). The regular issues pictured a Puma, while the airmails pictured a South American Tapir. 20,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $15.50 .

The booklet has dual market appeal among collectors of Paraguay and Animal topicals, the most popular thematic category. Furthermore, demand is enhanced for all Latin American material by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region in general.

With about 6 1/2 million people, Paraguay is an emerging market nation with the potential to become a major agricultural exporter. Its subtropical climate allows for 5 harvests every 24 months, and it has vast tracts of virgin arable land. In addition, manufacturing has shown strong growth in the production of edible oils, garments, organic sugar, meat processing, and steel. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.5% over the past 5 years, and was steadily increasing until it experienced a recent slight decline due to the global financial crisis.

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 Paraguay, including the 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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Aitutaki 1917-20 Overprint (Scott #19-27)

Aitutaki, one of the Cook Islands, was administered by New Zealand from 1901 through 1965. From 1917-20, New Zealand issued a set of stamps for the island by overprinting nine stamps from its 1915-22 George V set (Scott #19-27). 17,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $36.65.

While the populations of Aitutaki (about 2,000) and the Cook Islands (about 20,000) are too low to sustain much of a stamp collecting population, there is significant demand for their 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.

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: Falkland Islands 1929-31 George V (Scott #54-64)

The Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic off the coast of Argentina, is a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom. While Falkland Islanders comprise a tiny but very affluent population of about 3,000, from a philatelic investment perspective, the Falklands are of interest because they appeal to both British Commonwealth and Antarctic territories collectors.

From 1929-31,  the Falklands issued a set of eleven stamps portraying King George V (Scott #54-64). 8,400 of the 1 pound high value were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $797.40. #64 alone cats. at $350.-.

I recommend purchase of either the complete set or the high value, in F-VF or better, NH, LH. These were pricey stamps at the time that they were in use, especially during the Great Depression. Most were probably used as postage  and discarded.


Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group page at Facebook. The page hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Qatar 1964 Tokyo Olympics Overprint (Scott #37-41)

  In 1964, Qatar overprinted five stamps from its 1961 set, to honor Olympics held that year in Tokyo (Scott #37-41). 16,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $56.50 .

   The set has dual market appeal among collectors of Qatar and Sports/Olympics topicalists. Note that although I often recommend buying scarce overprinted issues conditional on obtaining expertization, it's not necessary for this issue, which isn't significantly more valuable than the basic, non-overprinted stamps.

   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 2,300 members.

Stamp Investment Tip: British Guiana 1934 Scenes (Scott #210-22)

  In 1934, British Guiana issued a set of thirteen stamps featuring scenes of the colony (Scott #210-22). 26,400 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $137.35 (275.- for NH) .

This issue represents a conservative investment based on the projected growth in popularity of British Commonwealth stamps. Should a significant stamp-collecting population develop in Guyana, the set will be given an added boost.

   A nation of about 750,000, Guyana has a medium level of economic development, which is mid-way between the affluent countries of Europe and North America and the countries that are the poorest and most deprived.Its dominant industries are agriculture, mining, and fishing. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4.5% over the past 5 years.

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Latvia 2002 Winter Olympics booklet (Scott #546a)

In 2002, Latvia issued a stamp honoring the Winter Olympics stamp (Scott #546), along with a booklet (Scott #546a). Only 5,000 of the booklet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $15.00 .

The booklet has multiple market appeal among collector of Latvia, Baltic States, and Sports/Olympics. Demand is enhanced for all Baltic States material due to the tendency of collectors to focus on the region in general.


A nation of 2.2 million people, Latvia has diverse industries which include the production of synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles, and timber. The centrally planned system of the Soviet period was replaced with a structure based on free-market principles. Riga, the capital, emerged as a regional financial and commercial center, which initially benefited the country but left it exposed to the worldwide economic tsunami which hit the banking sector in 2008. Until the onset of the global financial crisis, Latvia had the fastest growing economy in Europe. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has been flat, reflecting a 4.6% contraction in 2008 and an 18% disembowelment in 2009. Over the last four years, the economy has begun to recover.

Those interested in becoming 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: Armenia 1993 Hakop Kojoian Souvenir Sheet (Scott #451A)

In 1993, Armenia issued a souvenir sheet picturing a painting by  Hakop Kojoian of David of Sassoun,  a national hero who drove Arab invaders out of Armenia (Scott #451A). He is the subject of an Armenian epic poem, the Sasuntsi Davit, which recounts his exploits.Only 20,000 of the sheet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $10.00.

This inexpensive souvenir sheet is an attractive Art/Literature topical and also appeals to Armenian nationalist sentiment.

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

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

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Peru 1963 Chavin Ceramics Airmail Semi-Postals (Scott #CB1-5)

In 1963, Peru issued a set of five airmail semi-postal stamps picturing ceramic objects found at the excavations of its Chavin culture, an early indigenous civilization (Scott #CB1-5). The additional non-postal surtax helped to fund the excavations. 30,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 5.35.

This currently inexpensive set has appeal as an Art/Archeology topical, and should also do well as Peru continues its economic development. As with all stamps of Latin America, demand is bolstered by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region as a whole.

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 7.2% over the last 5. Major exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, and fish meal. In 2010 Peru's per capita income is about $10,000. Poverty has steadily decreased since 2004, when nearly half the country's population was under the poverty line, 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.

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 posted a buy list for the Peru, and it 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: Samoa 1920 Victory Overprint (Scott #136-41)

   Samoa, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is interesting from a philatelic perspective, because it has issued stamps as an independent kingdom, a partially German colony, under New Zealand's administration, and as an independent state.

   Early in World War I, the islands under German domination were occupied by New Zealand troops, and stamps of New Zealand were overprinted for use in Samoa. In 1920, a Victory set was issued (Scott #136-41), by overprinting 30,000 of the New Zealand Victory sets (Scott #165-70). Scott '13 prices the unused set at $38.50.  Though I sometimes recommend expertization of scarce overprints, it's unnecessary in this case because the stamps are inexpensive and the basic New Zealand set is actually worth more than the overprinted one.

   While Samoa's population of just under 200,000 is probably too low to sustain a significant community of stamp collectors, the stamps issued during the kingdom period and as part of the British Commonwealth appeal to British Commonwealth collectors and collectors in New Zealand.

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

Stamp Investment Tip: French Morocco 1949 Scenes (Scott #B38-41/CB31-34, B41a/CB34a))

  In 1949, the French issued a compound semi-postal and airmail semi-postal set for French Morocco, picturing scenes of their colony (Scott #B38-41/CB31-34). In addition, they issued two souvenir sheets containing the stamps of each set (Scott #B41a/CB34a). The funds from the non-postal premiums were used to fund projects promoting Franco-Moroccan cooperation. 75,000 of the sets and 15,000 of the souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the sets unused at $17.60  and the sheets at $52.50.

Now an independent kingdom of about 32 million people, Morocco has enjoyed annual GDP growth averaging about 5% over the past 5 years. The services sector, especially tourism, accounts for over half of GDP, and other industries include mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Since the early 1980s the Moroccan government has pursued an economic program toward accelerating real economic growth,reforming the financial sector and privatizing state enterprises.

Better issues of the French Protectorate period have a potential dual market. Currently they are mainly sought by collectors of French Colonies. I expect that they will rise significantly as the stamp market develops within Morocco itself.

Those interested in becoming 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: India 2000 Indepex Asiana Souvenir Sheet (Scott #1834b)

  In 2000, India issued a souvenir sheet celebrating the Indepex Asiana Stamp Exhibition, and picturing native birds (Scott #1834b). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused souvenir sheet at $6.00.


All Indian souvenir sheets with printings of 100,000 or fewer should be accumulated, with priority given to those issues which have strong thematic appeal. The Indepex Asiana souvenir sheet has obvious appeal as a Animals/Birds topical and should do very well indeed. India is a rapidly developing nation of over a billion people, and millions of Indian collectors will likely be converted to the insidious cult of Philately over the next decades.

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

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

Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1917 Bolivar (Scott #231-46)

  In 1917, Argentina issued a set of sixteen stamps picturing Jose de San Martin, the  prime leader of the southern part of South America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire (Scott #231-46). While printing quantity information is unavailable for this set, I estimate that fewer than 15,000 sets were issued. Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 186.90.

It is likely that the vast majority of these sets were used as postage and discarded. It wouldn't surprise me if fewer than a couple thousand remain, in any condition.

I continue to favor all better stamps of Latin America as bets on the growth of the region's middle class. As collectors often focus on Latin America as a whole, demand for the stamps of the individual countries is supplemented by the the more general regional focus.

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.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for 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: Cook Islands 1921 Rarotonga Overprint (Scott #67-71)

   In 1921, New Zealand issued a set of five high value stamps for the Cook Islands, which it was administering, by overprinting its postal fiscal stamps of 1906-13 with the word "Rarotonga", the name of the territory's most populous island (Scott #67-71). The set is interesting because it portrays Queen Victoria, though issued years after her death. Only 4,320 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $317.50 . 
The set  should do well based on its 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.

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. The group and page host lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provide a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Lebanon 1938 Medical Congress (Scott #C75-78)

 In 1938, Lebanon issued a set of four airmail stamps honoring the convening of a medical congress (Scott #C75-78). 30,000 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $ 22.00.

The issue has multiple market appeal among collectors of Lebanon, French Colonies/Possessions, and Medical Topicals.


A nation of 4.2 million people, Lebanon is noted for its commercial enterprise. Over the course of time, emigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world. As a result, remittances from Lebanese abroad to family members within the country total $8.2 billion and account for one fifth of the country's economy. The country has the largest proportion of skilled labor among Arab States. The tourism and banking sectors are the the most important pillars of the Lebanese economy, though they have at times been disrupted by political instability. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4.8% over the last 5 years.

Those interested in 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: Nicaragua 1961 Dag Hammarskjold Overprint (Scott #C494-99)

   On September 18, 1961, U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold was killed in a plane crash en route to cease-fire negotiations in the Congo.He is the only person to have been awarded a posthumous Nobel Peace Prize,  and remains the only U.N. Secretary-General to die in office. President John F. Kennedy called Hammarskjöld “the greatest statesman of our century".

   Many countries issued stamps in memory of Hammarskjold, including Nicaragua, which overprinted its 15,000 of its 1958 UNESCO sets (Scott #C424-29) with his name and date of death (Scott #C494-99). Scott '13 prices the unused set at $3.55.


I continue to like the U.N. as a topic, long-term. The market for U.N.-related topicals should grow over the very long haul as institutions of world government develop in order to take on serious (and possibly existential) problems which can only be coped with globally. Despite the present inadequacy, corruption, and ineffectiveness of the U.N., I view its reform and gradual strengthening as a gradual but irresistible trend.

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

I 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 Nicaragua. 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: San Marino 1951 UPU Anniversary Souvenir Sheets (Scott #C62a, C62b)

  In 1950 and '51, San Marino issued airmail stamps and souvenir sheets celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union and picturing a mail coach (Scott #C62, C62a, C62b). The 1951 varieties (Perf 13 1/2 X 14 and Imperf.- Scott # C62a and C62b) were issued in souvenir sheets of six, with quantities issued of 15,000 and 5,000, respectively. Scott '13 prices them unused at $45.00 ($80.- for NH) and $ 325.00 ($ 500.- for NH) .

   Aside from its appeal to collectors of Italy and Area, the souvenir sheets are also attractive Transportation Topicals.

Despite the fact that stamps of San Marino are mainly sold to collectors to generate income for the country, it is likely that quite a few of the Views sets were used as postage and discarded. The 200 lira high values were pricey for collectors of the time, especially given the state of the Italian economy in the early Post-War years.

San Marino is a state situated on the Italian Peninsula on the eastern side of the Apennine Mountains, with a population of about 30,000.While the country probably does not contain enough collectors to form a significant stamp collecting population, its stamps are popular among collectors of Italy and Area. In addition, San Marino has issued quite a few popular topicals, which has bolstered interest in its stamps.

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