Stamp Investment Tip: Albania 1939 Definitives (Scott #310-23, C46)

In 1939, Italy invaded and occupied Albania, and issued a compound set featuring Albanian costumes, scenes, and Italy's King Victor Emmanual III (Scott #310-23,C46). Scott errantly does not list these stamps as a compound set. 40,000 of the regular-issue set were issued. Printing quantity information is unavailable for the key stamp (Scott C46), but in all probability, 10,000 to 20,000 were issued. Scott '10 prices the compound set at $115.75 for unused.

This set has a dual market, appealing to both Italian Area collectors and collectors of Albania.

A nation of 3.2 million people, Albania is poor by Western European standards, but has experienced healthy GDP growth, averaging 6% over the last 5 years. Foreign investment has increased but has been dampened somewhat by the country's inadequate infrastructure. Modernization will be Albania's main challenge over the next decade.