Stamp Investment Tip: Palestine 1918 1pi Deep Blue (Scott #1)

In November of 1917, the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (E.E.F.) occupied Palestine, formerly a Turkish emirate. Initially, the E.E.F. had given civilians basic postal services for free, with additional services paid with British or Indian stamps. Free mail was withdrawn in February, 1918. with the issuance of the first stamps, including the 1pi Deep Blue (Scott #1), which as valid in Palestine, Cilicia, Syria, Lebanon, and Transjordan. Prior to the British Mandate in Palestine, Hebrew was not an official language, so these stamps bore only Arabic and English inscriptions. 24,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values the stamp at $190.00 for unused, and $105.00 for used. The stamp was issued without gum, which makes preservation easier. Covers are particularly desirable.

Stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate are popular among stamp collectors in Israel and among Jewish collectors throughout the world. Stamps of the British Mandate Period are of particular interest from an investment standpoint, because they also appeal to British Commonwealth collectors. In all likelihood, the vast majority of Palestine #1s were used and discarded, and there remain no more than three to six thousand, in any condition.

Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of economic development. As a technology powerhouse which leads the world in the number of scientists and engineers per capita, it also has the second largest number of start-up companies after the U.S.. Israel's main burden is having to spend much of its GNP on defending itself from some of its more bellicose neighbors. Should peace break out, trade will grow exponentially, and Israel could serve as a model for economic development in the Mid-East and much of the Third World. In that event, the better stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate will increase dramatically.


Those who wish to learn more about stamps of Israel and the Palestine Mandate should consider purchasing a Bale Catalogue, which classifies and values many items not listed in Scott, including forerunners, errors, varieties, machine-vended stamps, revenues, postal stationery, and booklets.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and a forum for those who wish to discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Jordan 1927-29 Amir Abdullah Issue (Scott #145-57)

Between 1927 and 1929, Jordan, then a British Mandate territory, issued a set of thirteen definitives honoring Amir Abdullah ibn Hussein, the grandfather of the current king (Scott #145-57). Only 1,634 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the unused set at $317.00. The set represents an excellent bet on the growth of the Jordanian economy.

Jordan is a small country of 6.3 million people with limited natural resources. Nevertheless, it is an emerging market nation, largely due to its liberal economic policies and relative political stability compared to many of its neighbors, and has maintained an annual GDP growth of 5% -6% over the last 5 years. Currently, its main industries are fertilizers, tourism, and banking, but it also has a developing "knowledge economy," which is contributing to its nascent aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical, and ICT sectors.

Those interested in finding a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tip: Paraguay 1963 Orchid Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C315)

In 1963, Paraguay issued a souvenir sheet picturing the Cattleya cigas Orchid (Scott #C315). Only 2,750 sheets were issued, and Scott prices it unused at $ 62.50. Flower topicals are extremely popular among collectors, so acquiring this rare orchid may turn out to be a smart way to invest in Paraguay.

The main drawback to investing in certain Paraguayan souvenir sheets from the '60s and later is the question of legitimacy: quite a few were issued solely to milk collectors and never saw any postal use. Scott does not list the most egregious issues, but it does list many which fall into a gray area. This sheet does seem to have been used postally, and the combination of low issuance quantity, low catalog value, and topical appeal make it a low-risk speculation.

With about 6 1/2 million people, Paraguay is an emerging market nation with the potential to become a major agricultural exporter. Its subtropical climate allows for 5 harvests every 24 months, and it has vast tracts of virgin arable land. In addition, manufacturing has shown strong growth in the production of edible oils, garments, organic sugar, meat processing, and steel. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.5% over the past 5 years, and was steadily increasing until it experienced a recent slight decline due to the global financial crisis.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've just posted a buy list for Paraguay, including the souvenir sheet 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: 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Imperforate (Scott #371)

In 1909, the U.S. issued a stamp in celebration of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (Scott #370), along with an imperforate version (Scott #371), which is far more scarce. 525,400 of the imperforate stamps were issued, and Scott prices it at $ 17.50 unused ($ 37.50 for NH). I believe that the best format in which to purchase these is as plate blocks of 6 (Scott '10 CV = $ 225.00 for unused, $ 350.00 for NH) or as centerline blocks of 4 (Scott ' CV = $ 175.00 for unused, $ 300.00 for NH). As these were issued in panes of 70, only about 7,500 of each of these postional blocks were issued, and many were probably broken up.

This issue is interesting because as an Alaska Topical, or item of interest for Alaska memorabilia collectors, it represents a bet on the economic development of the state, America's "final frontier"- rich in natural resources and with vast potential for economic growth.

As with the Hudson-Fulton imperforate recommended earlier, gum bends are a common condition problem with this issue, so endeavor to select blocks that are free of them.

Stamp Investment Tip: 1922 Malaya-Borneo Exhibition Issue

In 1922, an exhibition showcasing the economic potential of British Malaya and North Borneo was held in conjunction with the Prince of Wales' visit to Malaya. Three Malayan States, North Borneo. and the Straits Settlements issued sets commemorating the exhibition by overprinting regular issues. All are scarce and undervalued, and have dual market appeal to collectors of British Commonwealth and Malaya/Malaysia. I've listed them, along with quantities issued and their Scott '10 Catalogue Values for unused, below:


- Malaya-Kedah- Sc.#3a-33a (8) - 7,358; Scott '10 CV= $ 131.25
- Malaya-Kelantan- Sc. #3a-23a (9) - 1,159; Scott '10 CV = $ 393.00
- Malaya-Trengganu- Sc.#8a-24a (11)- 776; Scott '10 CV = $ 567.00
- North Borneo - Sc.#136a-53c (14)- Est. under 20,000; Scott '10 CV = $ 94.40
- Straits Settlements - Sc.#151d-99d (19)- 3,825; Scott '10 CV = 624.75

A rare error variety exists of one of the stamps of the Kedah set: the 25c Red Violet and Blue with inverted overprint (Scott #13b, with a Scott '10 Value of $ 1,200.- as unused). Purchase it conditional on obtaining expertization.

Also, the Straits Settlements set is of interest to collectors of Singapore.

With a population of over 28 million, Malaysia is an emerging market nation and the 29th largest economy in the world. It has abundant minerals and petroleum, vast forests, as well as a thriving agricultural sector. Nevertheless, over the last four decades, the Malaysian government has committed the nation to a transition from reliance on mining and agriculture to manufacturing, and is moving to conserve its remaining forests and reforest the overcut areas. The government has recently taken steps to make Malaysia more business-friendly, and the number of Malaysians living in poverty has also decreased. As of 2007, average wages were around $34 per day, up from about $9 per day in 1999. Annual GDP growth has averaged almost 6% over the last five years, although the country is taking a hit in 2010 as a result of the global financial crisis.

Stamp Investment Tip: Hong Kong 1862 Victoria (Scott #1-7)

In 1862, Hong Kong issued its first postage stamps (Scott #1-7). The two high values are particularly scarce, but also pricey. The 48c Rose (Scott #6) had a printing of 31,260 and the 96c Gray (Scott #7) - only 21,600, and Scott '10 prices them unused at $ 3,000.- and $ 4,000.-, and used at $ 400.- and $ 525.- , respectively.


I favor all of the better stamps of Hong Kong, as they appeal to collectors of China, Hong Kong, and British Commonwealth - three growing markets. While these two stamps may seem expensive, it is likely that only a few thousand remain in any condition. If buying them used, ascertain that they have postal, and not revenue, cancels, and obtain a certificate if necessary.


Centering of this issue tends to be poor, so expect to pay a premium for examples with four margins.

Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. 1909 Hudson-Fulton Imperforate (Scott #373)

In 1909, the U.S. issued two stamps celebrating the tercentenary of the discovery of the Hudson River, and the centenary of the Clermont, the first commercial steamboat, built by Robert Fulton (Scott #372-73). The perforated stamp (#372) is by far the more common, as about 72.6 million were issued, and I am not recommending it for investment. However, I am recommending the imperforate version (Scott #373), as only 216,480 were issued, and Scott '10 prices it unused at $ 20.00 ($ 42.50 for NH).

The stamp is not only a beautifully engraved Ship Topical, but it is of local interest in New York and New Jersey. In my opinion, the best formats in which to purchase the issue are as a plate number block of 6 (CV = $ 240.00; $ 375.00 as NH) or as a center line block of 4 (CV = $ 210.00; $ 360.00 as NH). The stamps were produced in sheets of 60 (with one plate block and one center line block per sheet), yielding only 3,608 of each of these positional blocks. A much higher proportion of the imperforate Hudson-Fultons were retained by collectors than were the perforated stamps, so I am guessing that between 700 and 1,500 of each remain.

Gum bends are very common on #373. Endeavor to purchase examples which are free of them, especially if purchasing blocks.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group on Facebook. The group provides a valuable forum for those who wish discuss this blog, as well as trade or communicate with stamp collectors, dealers, and investors from all over the world.

Stamp Investment Tip: Iran 1957 Baden-Powell Centenary (Scott #1073)

In 1957, Iran issued a stamp honoring the Centenary of the Birth of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts (Scott #1073). 85,000 stamps were issued, and Scott '10 prices it unused at $ 8.50. I continue to favor Boy Scout Topicals, especially those issued by countries for which I feel bullish about the stamp market. Worldwide membership of the Boy Scouts is estimated at 25 million, and Scouting topicals are extremely popular internationally. The Boy Scouts of America even promote the hobby with a stamp collecting merit badge.



Note that a common defect found on many Iranian stamps of the '50s is badly toned, "gloppy" gum. When purchasing #1073, endeavor to select examples with clean gum.



Stamps of Iran are not widely collected at present, partly for political reasons and partly because of the ubiquity of fakes among the early overprinted issues. Nevertheless, it is an oil-rich nation (ranked second in both oil and natural gas reserves) of 76 million people, and there are signs that many of them are becoming fed up with the corrupt and reactionary theocracy that is isolating Iran from the rest of the world. Furthermore, it is beginning to diversify away from its dependence on oil into other industries, such as biotech, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals, and it has the potential to develop a thriving tourism sector, should it institute reforms and begin to improve its image.

Stamp Investment Tip: Bangkok 1877-85 Issues

Between 1882 and 1885, Great Britain issued stamps for use by British personnel in Bangkok, initially by by overprinting "BRITISH CONSULATE BANGKOK" on stamps of Straits Settlements, and later by overprinting Straits Settlements stamps with a "B." Most of the the 29 Bangkok stamps are scarce to extremely rare (with #12 and #14 being the exception) and quantities issued for each ranging from under 100 to about 8,000. Being overprints, all Bangkok stamps should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization.



I favor all stamps of Bangkok that are expensive enough to warrant expertization, including the overprint varieties. These rather dull looking stamps are sought by collectors of both British Commonwealth and Thailand, two growing markets. The stamp market in Thailand is particularly hot right now, and I feel it will remain strong for decades.



A nation of 63.5 million, Thailand is considered one of the newly industrialized "Asian Tiger" nations, exporting over $105 billion worth of goods and services annually. It is still mainly an agricultural nation, and is the world's #1 exporter of rice, although the relative importance of agriculture is declining as other industries develop. Over the last five years, annual GDP growth has averaged about 3%, reflecting a recent slowing due to the global financial crisis.

Stamp Investment Tip: Saudi Arabia 1934 Proclamation Issue (Scott #138-49)

In 1932, the Kingdom of the Hejaz and Nejd was renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in 1934, it issued its first stamps under that name, a set proclaiming Emir Saud as Heir Apparent (Scott #138-49). 4,000 sets were issued in both perforated and imperforate form, and Scott '10 prices either at $ 2,266.00 for unused.


Although betting on the economic development of Saudi Arabia is not without risk, I feel that the potential returns from investing in its better stamps vastly outweigh the threat of an overthrow of its monarchy and a radicalization of the country. It seems probable that the government will continue its policies of gradual reform and co-opting or corrupting its potential adversaries with oil money.


An extremely affluent nation with an estimated population of 28 million, Saudi Arabia officially has 260 billion barrels of oil reserves - about 24% of the world's total proven reserves. Though currently almost wholely dependent upon the petroleum industry, the Kingdom is attempting to diversify by building "economic cities," which will focus on pharmaceuticals, tourism, finance, education and scientific research. Annual GDP growth over the last 5 years has averaged about 5%, and it is likely that, barring the potential for disruption due to political instability, Saudi Arabia will continue to sustain high growth over the next decades. The threat of instability is real, as the Saudi government is rated the world's seventh most authoritarian regime, according to The Economist's Democracy Index. As a monarchy sworn to govern on the basis of Islamic Law, Saudi Arabia maintains a legal system which may seem feudal to many people, prescribing capital punishment and various forms corporal punishment, including amputation, for actions which are not even considered crimes in most countries. Intra-family rivalries and the heady mix of religion, politics, greed, and regional militarism make for a potentially explosive combination, but this is nothing new, and the House of Saud has proven its resilience time and time again by surviving and maintaining its primacy over the last hundred years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Poland-Exile Government Monte Cassino Issue (Scott #3K17-20)

During World War II, the Polish Government in Exile, based in London, issued stamps for letters posted from Polish merchant ships and warships. In June of 1944, it issued a set of four stamps honoring the final capture of Monte Cassino by Polish forces (Scott #3K17-20). The Battle of Monte Cassino was actually a series of four costly battles fought by Allied forces (from many different nations) so that they might seize Rome. The pivotal role played by the Poles in the final fourth battle against the Nazis gave hope to those fighting for Polish Independence. Only 55,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 30.00 for unused ($70.- for NH), and $ 80.00 for used. Philatelic covers bearing the whole set exist, and these are quite desirable.

The set has dual appeal to collectors of Poland and World War II topicals. I have little information regarding demand for the set in Italy, but there is a potential for that to become significant, as well.

With 38 million people, Poland is one of the fastest growing economies of all of the formerly Communist countries, with annual GDP growth averaging about 5.5% over the past 5 years. The nation has steadfastly pursued a policy of liberalizing the economy, and was not severely impacted by the recent global financial crisis. It is likely that Poland will be one of the world's fastest growing economies over the next several decades.

Better stamps of Poland should rise in value as the country prospers and the population of Polish stamp collectors increases. Interest in Polish history and national pride are important elements in the culture of this oft-conquered people, and there are some 10 million Polish-Americans with ties to the country.

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 Tip: Philippines 1944 "Victory" Handstamps

During the Philippines Campaign of 1944-45, the Allied forces gradually liberated the islands from the Japanese. As a propaganda tactic, in 1944 crude violet "VICTORY" handstamps were applied to some earlier Philippines issues. Many of these stamps are scarce to very rare, and comprise what would be an extremely expensive compound set (Scott # 463-84, C63, E8-9, J16-22, O38-43), though it is likely that very few, if any, complete sets remain in collections. They have dual market appeal in both the Philippines and the U.S., as they were issued during a period in which the islands were technically in transition from U.S. Administration to Independence.

Fake handstamps exist, so it is necessary to purchase these stamps conditional on obtaining expertization. I've listed them, along with quantities issued (when known) and Scott '10 Catalog Values for unused, below:

1944 Violet "VICTORY" Handstamps:

-2c (on #411; Scott #463; 168; $ 325.00)

-as above, booklet pane of 6 (Scott #463a; 28; $12,500.00 )

-2c (on #461; Scott #464; 24,400; $ 10.00 )

-4c (on #384; Scott #465; 807; $ 42.50 )

-6c (on #385; Scott #466; 64; $ 3,500.00 )

-6c (on #409; Scott #467; Unknown; $ 225.00)

-6c (on #413; Scott #468; 206; $ 4,750.00)

-6c (on #453; Scott #469; 235; $ 350.00)

-6c (on #466; Scott #470; 141; $ 1,750.00)

-6c (on #459; Scott #471; Unknown; $ 275.00)

-8c (on #436; Scott #472; 1,643; $ 17.50)

-10c (on #415; Scott #473; 450; $ 300.00)

-10c (on #437; Scott #474; 358; $ 275.00)

-12c (on # 410; Scott #475; Unknown; $ 1,100.00)

-12c (on #454; Scott #476; 36; $ 6,000.00)

-12c (on #460; Scott #477; Unknown; $ 375.00)

-16c (on #389; Scott #478; 122; $ 2,250.00)

-16c (on #417; Scott #479; 200; $ 1,250.00)

-16c (on #439; Scott #480; 500; $500.00)

-20c (on #440; Scott #481; 1,401; $ 110.00)

-30c (on #420; Scott #482; 248;$ 350.00 )

-30c (on #442; Scott #483; 200; $ 750.00)

-1p (on #443; Scott #484; 21; $ 6,250.00)

Airmail:

-4c Rose Carmine (Scott #C63; 122; $ 3,750.00)

Special Delivery:

-20c Dull Violet (on #E5b; Scott #E8; 138; $ 1,400.00)

-20c Blue Violet (on #E7; Scott #E9; 600; $ 550.00)

Postage Dues:

-4c Brown Red (Scott J16; 306; $ 150.00 )

-6c Brown Red (Scott J17; 390; $ 90.00 )

-8c Brown Red (Scott J18; 379; $ 95.00 )

-10c Brown Red (Scott J19; 405; $ 90.00)

-12c Brown Red (Scott J20; 423; $ 90.00)

-16c Brown Red (Scott J21; 425; $ 95.00)

-20c Brown Red (Scott J22; 375; $ 95.00)

Officials:

-2c (on #O27; Scott #O38; 138; $ 375.00)

-2c (on #O37; Scott #O39; 13,100; $ 10.00)

-4c (on #O16; Scott #O40; 2,634; $ 42.50 )

-6c (on #O29; Scott #O40A; Unknown; $ 8,000.00)

-10c (on #O31: Scott #O41; 665: $ 500.00)

- 20c (on #O22; Scott #O42; Unknown; $ 8,000.00)

-20c (on #O26; Scott #O43; Unknown; $ 1,750.00)

As a newly democratic and newly industrialized country of 92 million which is moving away from from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines could turn out to be one of the most successful emerging markets in the Pacific Region. The government tends toward fiscal conservatism coupled with long-term economic planning, and annual GDP growth has been around 6%-7%. Barring extreme political instability, it is likely that the Philippines will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next decades.

Stamp Investment Tip: Mexico 1932 50c Air Official (Scott #CO18)

In 1932, Mexico overprinted its 1927 50c Dark Blue and Claret airmail stamps "SERVICIO OFICIAL," for government use. The vast majority of the stamps overprinted had watermarked paper (Scott #CO19) , but one hundred stamps of the 1922 issue (same design, but on unwatermarked paper), were also overprinted by accident, creating a very scarce stamp (Scott #CO18), which Scott '10 values at $ 1,000.00 for both unused ($ 1,600.00 for NH) and used.

The usual caveat for overprinted issues applies: purchase the stamp conditional on receiving authentication, preferably from the Mexico-Elmhurst Philatelic Society (M.E.P.S.I.). I believe this stamp has been unjustifiably neglected because it's a back-of-book issue, and because it's an unwatermarked paper variety. These factors will diminish in importance as the stamp market develops in Mexico.

With a population of about 109 million, Mexico has had consistent annual GDP growth of between 3 and 5%. It has a diverse and developing economy, but modernization remains a slow and uneven process, and current challenges include addressing income inequality and corruption, upgrading the infrastructure, and reforming tax and labor laws. Despite its problems, it is likely that Mexico will experience significant economic growth over the coming decades.

Stamp Investment Tip: France - Offices in China

As with the other colonial powers smuggling opium into China, bribing corrupt officials, and generally making a mockery of Chinese sovereignty during the 19th and early 20th centuries, France maintained "spheres of influence" within China, and maintained post offices there. Initially, French stamps were overprinted "Chine" and used throughout the Middle Kingdom, but after the Boxer Rebellion (1898-1901), France also issued stamps for its post offices in various Chinese cities, overprinted with the city names.

Many, if not all, of the better foreign offices in China stamps are grossly undervalued, because most Chinese collectors disdain them as relics of foreign imperialism, which they are. Nevertheless, I feel that they are excellent investments solely on the basis of growing demand in their home countries, and because I believe that eventually, the Chinese will bid them up as well. Many of these issues are undervalued to such an extent that they are currently selling for less than P.R.C. souvenir sheets and Cultural Revolution sets which are at least 30 to 100 times more common. When reticence begins to replace rage, and perhaps 1/100th of a percent of the collectors in China start buying these issues, they will zoom upward at a rate that will shock and amaze the the vast majority of collectors who unwisely neglected to read this blog.

All better foreign offices in China stamps are overprints, and should be purchased conditional on expertization. I've listed a few of the France-Offices in China general issues below (along with printing quantities and Scott '10 Catalog Values for unused and used). I'll consider some of the stamps issued for the individual cities in future articles.

France- Offices in China:

- 1900 25c on 1fr Bronze Green on straw (Scott #13; 3,000; $125.- ,$75.- )

- 1901 2c on 25c Black on rose (Scott #14; 900; $1,000.- , $ 325.-)

- 1901 4c on 25c Black on rose (Scott #15; 600; $ 1,250.-,$ 450.-)

- 1901 6c on 25c Black on rose (Scott #16; 900; $1,000.- ,$ 375.-)

- 1901 16c on 25c Black on rose (Scott#17; 2,400;$ 300.-,$ 190.-)

- 1903 Handstamped Postage Dues (Scott #J7-30; Est. fewer than 2,000 of each; all are scarce to very rare- only known used; Scott '10 CVs range from $ 225.- to $ 2,250.- for used)

Phila-Trivia: New Zealand's Dangerous Teddy Bear

In 1996, New Zealand issued a two Children's Health Semi-postal stamps of the same design, picturing a child sitting in a vehicle holding a Teddy Bear (Scott #B154, B155). Unfortunately, the inclusion of the stuffed animal facing forwards indicated that the infant was improperly buckled in, rendering the stamp "dangerous" because of its potential influence. In New Zealand ,the law states that child car safety seats must face backwards - not forwards. The withdrawn design clearly shows the seat-belted Teddy Bear, hence the child capsule is also pointing forward, contravening New Zealand's child safety rules.


All but approximately 1,000 copies of #B154 and 500 of #B155 (the self-adhesive version) were withdrawn by the New Zealand Post, which then issued a new stamp (Scott #B151), picturing the child properly buckled in, sans Teddy Bear. Scott '10 values the perforated, gummed error stamp at $1,000.00 and the self-adhesive error at $1,750.00, making these not merely the most dangerous and illegal Teddy Bears ever created, but also the most expensive.


Incidentally, I believe these particular stamps will do more than "hold their stuffing" over time as investments. Teddy Bears on stamps have topical appeal, partly on their own and partly as a subgroup of Animal Topical collecting.


New Zealand is a modern, prosperous nation of about 4.3 million people, with a GDP of $115 billion. Over the last 10 years, annual GDP growth has averaged about 3%. The economy was hurt by the recent global financial crisis, and is beginning to recover. In 2005, the World Bank praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly nation in the world. Stamps of New Zealand are collected both domestically and by British Commonwealth collectors worldwide . The nation has a stamp collecting demographic similar to Great Britain's, and the demand for better material should increase dramatically as population aging accelerates. The percentage of New Zealander's aged 60 and over will rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.

Stamp Investment Tip: Brazil 1949 Ouro Fino Bicentenary Souvenir Sheet (Scott #687a)

Like Jim Cramer and many other investment analysts, I favor the "BRIC" countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), but as a stampselector, my take on them is somewhat different. Certainly an investor should endeavor to profit from the economic growth of these countries by investing in mutual funds or by prudently picking stocks, but should he be familiar with stamps, then why not diversify into them as well? After all, unlike a publicly traded company, a stamp (or in this case, a souvenir sheet) can't be nationalized, lose its value due to mismanagement, fraud, dilution, or competition, or go bankrupt. In fact, a stamp's supply must either remain static or diminish over time, so in effect, all are subject to "stock buybacks" by the Fates or Father Time.


In 1949, Brazil issued a souvenir sheet picturing the Church of Sao Francisco de Paula, and commemorating the Bicentenary of the city of Ouro Fino (Scott #687a). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott '10 values this religion topical at $62.50 for unused and $30.00 for used. As an added "bonus feature," the s/s was issued without gum, making preservation less of a headache. The '49 Church souvenir sheet is, in my opinion, grossly undervalued, and a likely candidate for hoarding and price manipulation in the not-too-distant future.

With 191 million people, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, and the world's eighth largest. Political and economic reforms have given the country a brighter future than it had in the bad old days of oligarchical dictatorship. The Brazilian economy is diverse, the country is aggressively investing in its future by generously funding technological research and education, and exports are booming. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 5% over the last 5 years.

There are a number of undervalued Brazilian issues with printing quantities of 10,000 to 100,000, some of which have topical appeal, and recommending them for accumulation seems a no-brainer. Brazil looks destined to become an economic superpower, and even if it mirrors the philatelically anemic U.S. and only one out of a thousand Brazilians become serious stamp collectors and one out of a fifty become "unserious" ones, they'll be competing for their nation's better stamps, only to find that the cupboard is bare.

Note: I've never seen a First Day Cover of #687a, and it's possible that they are rare, because the sheet was issued without gum.

Stamp Investment Tip: Gabon 1886 Surcharges (Scott #1-5)

In 1886, Gabon, then a French colony, issued its first postage stamps, by handstamping surcharges on French Colonies general issue stamps of 1881-86 (Scott #1-5). All five stamps are scarce, and as with most valuable overprinted issues, should be purchased conditional on obtaining expertization. I've listed the stamps, along with their printing quantities and Scott '10 Catalog Values below:

- 1886 5c on 20c Red on green (Scott #1; 900: $ 525.00 unused, $425.00 used)

- 1886 10c on 20c Red on green (Scott #2; 900;$ 525.00 unused, $425.00 used)

- 1886 25c on 20c Red on green (Scott #3; 10,500; $ 87.50 unused; $75.00 used)

- 1886 50c on 15c Blue (Scott #4; 300; $ 1,450.00 unused, $ 1,900.00 used)

- 1886 75c on 15c Blue (Scott #5; 300; $ 1,800.00 unused, $ 2,000.00 used)

Stamps of this issue tend to have terrible centering, so try to select examples which are centered Fine or better, if possible, or else discount for average centering. Mediocre centering is commonplace for many early stamps of the French Colonies, to such an extent that Average-centered stamps are often called "Fine for issue."

These stamps should do well based upon increasing demand for French Colonies, but they also make an interesting play on Gabon as a developing economy. With a population of 1.5 million, Gabon has a per capita income of four times the average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The low population density together with abundant natural resources and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in the region. Annual GDP growth has averaged just under 3% over the last 5 years.

Stamp Investment Tip: Republic of China 1954 Silo Bridge Souvenir Folder (Scott #1095a)

In 1954, the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan, celebrated the first anniversary of the completion of its Silo Highway Bridge with the issuance of a souvenir booklet containing a souvenir sheet (Scott #1095a). Only 10,000 booklets were issued, and Scott '10 values it at $ 1,375.00.


Better stamps and souvenir sheets of the R.O.C. have done well over the last few decades, but the market has been cooler than that for stamps of the People's Republic. I believe that as capitalism and incremental democratization take hold in the P.R.C., relations between the "two Chinas" will gradually improve, as will demand for stamps of the R.O.C.. The process of thawing may have already begun: as of 2008, more than $ 150 billion have been invested in the P.R.C. by Taiwanese companies, and about 10% of the Taiwanese labor force works in the P.R.C., often to run their own businesses.

In the meantime, most of the demand for stamps of Taiwan will originate from collectors in Taiwan itself and among overseas Chinese (of which there are approximately 35 million). Taiwan, a nation of 23 million people, is one of the four "Asian Tigers," and has experienced explosive economic growth and industrialization over the last 5 decades. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, but this reflects the zero growth of 2009, a result of the global financial mess.

Stamp Investment Tip: Sweden 1920 Airmails, Wmk. 180 (Scott #C4-5)

In 1920, Sweden surcharged a portion of its 1910-19 Official stamps, issuing its first airmail stamps (Scott #C1-3, C4-5). The normal set (Scott #C1-3) is fairly common (570,000 issued), and comprised three surcharged officials of the 1910-19 issue, which bore Watermark #181 (Wavy Lines). However, a few of the officials of the 1910-12 issue, of the same design as the normal stamps but with a different watermark (Wmk. #180 - Crown) were errantly surcharged, and are extremely scarce. The 20o on 2o Orange and 50o on 4o Violet with Wmk. 180 (Scott #C4 and C5) were issued in quantities of 100 and 500, respectively, and Scott '10 values them unused at $2,250.00 and $ 160.00.

I believe these stamps to be grossly undervalued, both because they are watermark varieties and because fake surcharges exist, necessitating expertization. Nevertheless, the values of these airmails should ascend impressively as interest in stamps of Sweden and Scandinavia in general continues to grow. It is important to note that there is considerable demand for stamps of Scandinavia outside of Scandinavia. In the U.S. alone, there are approximately 11.7 million Scandinavian-Americans, including 4.4 million of Swedish ancestry.


With 9.2 million people, Sweden is an affluent, export-oriented nation, ranked by the World Economic Forum in 2009-10 as the 4th most competitive economy in the world. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 3% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 (0% growth that year) due to the global financial catastrophe, from which Sweden, like much of the rest of the world, is slowly recovering. We all wish that life could be like Swedish magazines, but unfortunately, it's not always the case.