Stamp Investment Tip: Uruguay 1924 Olympics Issue (Scott #282-84)

In 1924, Uruguay issued a set of stamps celebrating the 1924 Paris Olympics (Scott #282-84), and picturing the "Victory of Samothrace," a partially restored Greek statue that is one of the masterpieces of the Louvre. 35,000 sets were issued, and Scott values the unused set at $ 60.00. In addition, 500 sets were issued on yellow ("golden") paper (Scott #282-84Note), to commemorate Uruguay's soccer victories and gold medal won at the Summer Olympics. Many of these special sets were affixed to souvenir folders and given to dignitaries. Scott prices the "yellow paper" set at $ 650.00.

The set is particularly compelling because of its modest printing quantity, its thematic appeal as a combination Olympics/Art Topical, and because of Uruguay's prospects for economic growth. The special "golden" set is also a Soccer Topical. Soccer is now the most popular sport in the world, with billions of fans, many of whom live in emerging market nations.


With a population of about 3 1/2 million people, most of whom are of European or mixed descent, Uruguay has a stamp collecting population which will probably approach European levels in the years to come. Uruguay is one of the most economically developed, politically stable and least corrupt countries in Latin America, and is moving away from its dependence on agricultural exports and toward development of commercial technologies, especially software. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 3% over the last 5 years.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. It includes a buy list for Uruguay, and includes the sets recommended in this article. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Costa Rica 1941 Soccer Championship Issue (Scott # 201-08/C57-66)

In 1941,Costa Rica issued a compound set commemorating the Caribbean and Central American Soccer Championship (Scott #201-08/C57-66). 5,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 121.35.

As with most of Latin America, Costa Rica has issued many stamps which I feel are grossly undervalued. This set has a very strong topical appeal, as soccer is widely considered to be the most popular sport in the world. Millions of people regularly go to stadiums to follow their favourite teams,while billions more watch the game on television.

This small nation of 4 1/2 million people is unique as the only Latin American country to have escaped the plague of repressive dictatorships and oligarchies endemic to the region. Costa Rica has generally enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability than many of its fellow Latin American nations. The government offers generous tax exemptions to those investing in the country,and in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location. Annual GDP growth has averaged 5.6% over the last 5 years.



Note that a rare "Flags Omitted" error exists of the 5c Green regular issue (Scott #201a; Scott '10 CV= $ 200.00). I advise requiring expertization as a condition for purchase when buying this error stamp.