Stamp Investment Tip: Egypt 1956 Scout Jamboree Souvenir Sheets (Scott #B15Note)

In 1956, Egypt celebrated the 2nd Arab Scout Jamboree by issuing a set of semi-postal stamps (Scott #B13-15) and a pair of souvenir sheets (perf. and imperf. - Scott # B15Note) Only 3,800 sets of the souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '10 prices them unused at $1,500.00 . These scarce souvenir sheets have dual market appeal as Boy Scout Topicals issued by an emerging market country for which I feel bullish about the stamp market. Worldwide membership of the Boy Scouts is estimated at 25 million, and Scouting topicals are extremely popular internationally.

With an estimated 76 million people, Egypt possesses one of the most developed economies in the Mid-East, with a GDP growth rate of 5%-7%. The government is undertaking major economic reforms to further spur development, including massive investments in infrastructure and liberalizing economic and tax policies to encourage foreign investment. Egypt's main challenge in the years to come will be one of social and political democratization - how to assure that enough of the new wealth trickles down to the majority of the population to lessen the problems of poverty and political instability. Nevertheless, barring major political instability, it is likely that Egypt will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next several decades.

Stamp Investment Tip: Iran 1957 Baden-Powell Centenary (Scott #1073)

In 1957, Iran issued a stamp honoring the Centenary of the Birth of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts (Scott #1073). 85,000 stamps were issued, and Scott '10 prices it unused at $ 8.50. I continue to favor Boy Scout Topicals, especially those issued by countries for which I feel bullish about the stamp market. Worldwide membership of the Boy Scouts is estimated at 25 million, and Scouting topicals are extremely popular internationally. The Boy Scouts of America even promote the hobby with a stamp collecting merit badge.



Note that a common defect found on many Iranian stamps of the '50s is badly toned, "gloppy" gum. When purchasing #1073, endeavor to select examples with clean gum.



Stamps of Iran are not widely collected at present, partly for political reasons and partly because of the ubiquity of fakes among the early overprinted issues. Nevertheless, it is an oil-rich nation (ranked second in both oil and natural gas reserves) of 76 million people, and there are signs that many of them are becoming fed up with the corrupt and reactionary theocracy that is isolating Iran from the rest of the world. Furthermore, it is beginning to diversify away from its dependence on oil into other industries, such as biotech, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals, and it has the potential to develop a thriving tourism sector, should it institute reforms and begin to improve its image.

Stamp Investment Tip: Romania 1934-36 Boy Scout Issues

Romania issued three semi-postal sets honoring the Boy Scouts from 1934-36, all of which are worth accumulating. Worldwide membership of the Boy Scouts is estimated at 25 million, and Scouting topicals are extremely popular internationally. Wikipedia has an excellent article on Scouting Memorabilia Collecting, for those interested in the subject.

The three sets, issued in modest quantities, are an excellent way to play the growth of both Romania's economy and interest in Scouting Topicals. I've listed them, along with their quantities issued and Scott '10 Catalog Values for unused, below:

-1934 Boy Scout Mamaii Jamboree (Scott #B44-49; 50,000; $ 40.00)

-1935 5th Anniv. of Accession of King Carol I-Boy Scouts (Scott #B50-54; 50,000; $ 26.50)

- 1936 Brasov Boy Scout Jamboree (Scott #B63-65; 60,000; $ 28.50 )

A nation of 22 million people with a GDP per capita of $ 12,285.- (about 46% of the EU average), Romania is considered an upper-middle income country. Romania's main exports are clothing and textiles, industrial machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, metallurgical products, raw materials, cars, military equipment, software, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and agricultural products. GDP growth has been high, averaging about 7% over the last five years.