Stamp Investment Tip: Netherlands Indies 1912-40 Wilhelmina (Scott #101-36)

Between 1912 and 1940, the Netherlands Indies issued a long set picturing Queen Wilhelmina (Scott #101-136). Only 20,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the set at $ 128.55 for unused, and $16.90 for used. In all probability, at least 85%-95% of these stamps were used and discarded, and given the fact that the set was issued over 28 years, locating sound complete sets, whether NH, LH, or used may prove a challenge. I consider this issue grossly undervalued, as it has dual appeal among collectors of Netherlands and Colonies, and Indonesia.

Note that some of the low and middle values of this set were printed with water-soluble ink. Do not soak any of these stamps in water, as it will result in much of the design disappearng, along with the stamp's value.

With about 16.6 million people, the Netherlands is the 16th largest economy in the world, and its annual GDP growth has averaged about 2.5% over the last 5 years. Indonesia is a rapidly developing, though still poor, country of 230 million people, with an annual GDP growth rate hovering around 5%-6%. Like most emerging market nations, it faces challenges which will have to be addressed, including corruption and major inequities in the distribution of income.

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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Netherlands Indies 1923 Wilhelmina Issue (Scott #151-157)

In 1923, the Netherland Indies issued a set of stamps picturing Queen Wilhelmina (Scott #151-57). 15,707 sets were issued, and it has a Scott '10 Value of $ 117.40 for unused.

I favor all scarce issues of the Netherlands Indies and Indonesia. Stamps of all former Dutch colonies are avidly collected in the Netherlands, and Indonesia is a developing, though still poor, country of 230 million people, with an annual GDP growth rate hovering around 5%-6%. Reforms will be necessary to address corruption and income inequities in this emerging market nation.

As a general rule, I consider issues of the European Colonies and overseas possessions better investments than those of the mother countries themselves. Quantities issued tend to be much lower, and the stamps have dual markets, both in the original "home" countries and in their former colonies, which are often developing nations.

Note that a scarce Perf. 11 1/2 X 11 variety of the 5c Myrtle Green exists (Scott #151a; Scott '10 Value as unused = $ 350.00 ; used CV = $ 110.00). It's possible that you may find one being sold as the cheap, normal stamp, which is Perf. 11 1/2, or the more common 11 X 11 1/2 variety. The difference is easy to miss.