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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Romania 1956 Insect Pests (Scott # 1103-06)

In 1956, Romania issued a set of stamps honoring its campaign against insect pests (Scott #1103-06). 40,000 of this interesting Animal/Insect topical set were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 36.25.

This set should do well as both an Animal topical and as a bet on the growth of Romania's economy. I favor many of the scarce sets of the former Eastern bloc countries (and especially popular topicals), as their values have plenty of room for increase as these economies play catch-up and develop within the free-market fold.

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, metallurgic 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.