Stamp Investment Tip: Russia 1934 Zeppelin Issue (Scott #C53-57)

In 1934, the Soviet Union issued a strikingly modern set of five Zeppelin stamps (Scott #C53-57), which were intended for use on one of the South America flights of that year. 40,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values the unused set at $ 505.00.

The set strongly appeals to both collectors of Russia and of Zeppelin stamps. Zeppelin stamps and covers are extremely popular among "Zepp" collectors and Aviation topicalists, especially in Europe. Those issued by destination-countries which are likely prospects for rapid economic development are compelling investments, in my opinion.

The market for better Russian stamps from the Czarist through the Stalin periods is very hot right now. With 142 million people, Russia is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world, with vast reserves of natural resources and a highly educated population. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has experienced several major economic crises in its transition to capitalism, although annual GDP growth has been strong over the last 5 years, at around 7%. The country is still plagued by corruption and organized crime, making it somewhat reminiscent of America during its "Wild West" and Robber-Baron periods. Nevertheless, the middle class has grown from just 8 million people in 2000 to 55 million in 2006.

I favor all better items of Russia, as I believe it likely that both its economy and stamp collecting population will grow substantially over the next decades.

Stamp Investment Tip: Russia 2002 Booklet Panes

Russia has issued a number of scarce booklet panes in recent years, some of which have topical appeal. Booklet issues are often ignored when they're first released, especially if the stamp designs duplicate those issued in regular sheet format. After a while, however, collectors begin to get that horrible empty feeling from seeing blank spaces in their albums, and desperately hurry to their favorite dealers to lap up the supply.

In 2002, Russia issued four scarce booklets- three of which are attractive and have topical appeal, and one of which is boring, but worth buying anyway. I've listed them, along with their quantities issued and Scott '10 Catalog Values, below:

-2002 New Hermitage, 150th Anniversary (Art/Paintings; Scott #6684a-88a bklt.; 10,000; $ 40.00)

-2002 St. Petersburg, 300th Anniversary (Art/Architecture; Scott #6695a-99a bklt.; 10,000; $ 80.00)

-2002 Carriages (Transportation; Scott #6705f-05j bklt.; 10,000; $ 46.00)

-2002 Census (Scott # 6718a bklt; 12,000; $ 75.00)

With 142 million people, Russia is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world, with vast reserves of natural resources and a highly educated population. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has experienced several major economic crises in its transition to capitalism, although annual GDP growth has been strong over the last 5 years, at around 7%. The country is still plagued by corruption and organized crime, making it somewhat reminiscent of America during its "Wild West" and Robber-Baron periods. Nevertheless, the middle class has grown from just 8 million people in 2000 to 55 million in 2006.

Those interested in joining a community of philatelic investors are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group on Facebook. This lively group engages in trading as well as discussions of issues related to stamp investment and Philately in general.

Stamp Investment Tips: Russia 1935 Moscow-San Francisco Flight Surcharge (Scott #C68)

In 1935, Russia issued a stamp for it first flight from Moscow to San Francisco (Scott #C68) by applying a 1r sucharge to its earlier 10k S. A. Levanesky stamp. Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused stamp at $ 1,250.00 ($ 3,250.00 for NH). The stamp has appeal to Aviation topicalists as well as collectors of Russia.

The market for better Russian stamps from the Czarist through Stalin periods is very hot right now. With 142 million people, Russia is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world, with vast reserves of natural resources and a highly educated population. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has experienced several major economic crises in its transition to capitalism, although annual GDP growth has been strong over the last 5 years, at around 7%. The country is still plagued by corruption and organized crime, making it somewhat reminiscent of America during its "Wild West" and Robber-Baron periods. Nevertheless, the middle class has grown from just 8 million people in 2000 to 55 million in 2006.

I favor all better items of Russia, as I believe it likely that both its economy and stamp collecting population will grow substantially over the next decades.

Note that counterfeit overprints exist for this issue, so expertization is strongly advised.

Stamp Investment Tips: Russia 1932 2nd Polar Year Issue (Scott #C34-35)

In 1932, Russia issued a set of stamps commemorating the 2nd International Polar Year (Scott #C34-35). 50,000 were issued, and Scott '10 prices it at $ 150.00 unused and $ 40.00 used. The set is of interest to collectors of Polar Topicals.

The market for better Russian stamps from the Czarist through Stalin periods is very hot right now. With 142 million people, Russia is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world, with vast reserves of natural resources and a highly educated population. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has experienced several major economic crises in its transition to capitalism, although annual GDP growth has been strong over the last 5 years, at around 7%. The country is still plagued by corruption and organized crime, making it somewhat reminiscent of America during its "Wild West" and Robber-Baron periods. Nevertheless, the middle class has grown from just 8 million people in 2000 to 55 million in 2006.

I favor all scarce sets of Russia, as I believe that it is likely both its economy and stamp collecting population will grow substantially over the next decades.