Stamp Investment Tip: Spain 1940 Virgin of the Pillar Issue (Scott #B109-22,CB8-17,EB2)

In January of 1940, having just won the Spanish Civil War, the Royalist government of General Franco engaged in a bit of sanctimonious whitewashing and justification of its responsibility for that 3 year bloodbath, issuing a compound set commemorating the 19th Centenary of the Virgin of the Pillar, the patron virgin of Spain and the Hispanic peoples (Scott #B109-22,CB8-17, EB2). The surtax was used to restore the Cathedral at Zaragoza, which had been damaged during the Civil War, in order to help promote a spirit of national healing under a brutal, pietistic, pro-Fascist dictatorship. 85,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $ 399.85 ($ 775.00 for NH).

On the bright side, the set is a beautiful Religion topical issue, and has potential appeal to Catholic collectors in all of Spain's former colonies. Furthermore, the current financial mess in Europe has lowered the value of the Euro and softened demand for better issues of many European countries, including Spain. For those who invest for the long haul, now is a good time to buy.

I strongly favor all scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe. Philately will flourish under such conditions over the long-term, despite any temporary economic crises.

Stamp Investment Tip: Spain 1938 Submarine Mail Issue (Scott #605A-605F, 605G)

In 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, normal communications between the Balearic Islands and the Spanish mainland were disrupted by Nationalist warships. The Republicans maintained a mail service by submarine and produced a set of six stamps and one souvenir sheet (Scott #605A-605F, 605G). Only 7,526 sets and 7,385 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '10

prices the unused set and souvenir sheet at $ 660.- ($ 800.- for NH) and $ 600.- ($775.- for NH), respectively.

This issue has been overlooked in the U.S. because until recently, it was only noted by Scott. I strongly recommend both the set and souvenir sheet, as they are attractive ship topicals with minuscule printings, from a country with a healthy economy and an active and growing stamp collecting population.

I strongly favor all scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe. Philately will continue to flourish under such conditions.

Stamp Investment Tip: Spain 1950 Stamp Centenary Issue (Scott #776-79,C127-30)

In 1950, Spain issued a set of imperforate stamps (Scott #776-79, C127-30) commemorating the Centenary of its first postage stamps. The "Stamp on Stamp" topical pictured the 1850 Isabella II issue, and 41,000 sets were produced. Scott values the unused NH set at $ 575.00 and the used set at $ 376.00.

I favor the scarce and undervalued issues of Spain and its colonies. The nation has 46 million people, the 9th largest economy in the world, and the most rapidly aging population in Europe. Philately will continue to flourish under such conditions.

I recommend purchase of the set - unused or used. First Day Covers with the complete set are also attractive, as long as the premium over the cost of a plain used set isn't exhorbitant.