Stamp Investment Tip: Argentina 1930 Zeppelin First Flight, Green Overprint (Scott #C25-29)

In 1930, Argentina overprinted some of its 1928 Airmail stamps to produce two sets to be used on the Zeppelin flight from Germany to South America (Scott #C20-24, C25-29). Both sets are scarce, as only 4,375 of the first and 947 of the second were sold. I prefer the scarcer, green-overprinted set- #C25-29 (or its 1.80p high value alone), because the high value is valuable enough to be worth getting expertized. Scott '11 values the unused set at $ 766.-and #C29 alone at $700.-.

The set strongly appeals to both collectors of Argentina 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 should do very well over the next decades.

With a population of about 40 million, Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Historically, Argentina's economic performance has been uneven, as periods of high economic growth have alternated with severe downturns. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has averaged a whopping 8.5%. However, over the last 20 years Argentina has weathered several major debt crises and recessions.

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 Argentina, including the set 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.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides an excellent venue for trading, and a forum for discussion of topics related to philatelic investing and the practical aspects of stamp collecting.

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: Paraguay 1931-35 Zeppelin Issues

Between 1931 and 1935, Paraguay issued five sets of stamps for use on the Graf Zeppelin flights to South America. All of these sets are inexpensive, scarce, and popular among collectors of both South America and Zeppelin stamps and covers. I've listed them below, along with their printing quantities and Scott '10 Catalog Values for unused.

C54-55 1931 Pictorial Zeppelin overprint (20,000;$ 30.00)


C74-78 1932 Triangular Zeppelin stamps (30,000; $ 23.00)


C79-83 1933 Zeppelins (15,000; $ 30.50) - counterfeits exist


C88-92 1934 Zeppelins, "1934" Overprint (7,500; $ 26.50 )


C93-97 1935 Zeppelins, "1935" Overprint (7,000;$ 47.50)


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.


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.

Stamp Investment Tip: Greece 1933 Graf Zeppelin Issue (Scott #C5-7)

In 1933, Greece issued a set of stamps commemorating the Italy Flight of the airship "Graf Zeppelin" (Scott #C5-7), and picturing a Zeppelin flying over the Acropolis. 25,000 sets were issued, and the stamps were intended to prepay postage on covers from Greece carried on that flight. Scott prices the unused set at $ 118.00 ($325.00 for NH).

I recommend purchase of the set- NH, LH, or on covers carried on the flight.

Zeppelin stamp and cover collecting is extremely popular worldwide, and this set is sought by collectors of both Greece and Zepps. Many countries issued stamps for use on the various Zeppelin flights, and those interested in learning more about the Zeppelin issues and their usages should consider purchasing a Michel Zeppelin Specialized Catalog or a Sieger Zeppelin Post Catalog.

Stamp Investment Tip: Latvia 1933 Pioneer Air Issue (Scott #CB21-24)

In 1933, issued a set of Airmail Semi-postals picturing early modes of flight (Scott #CB21-4,CB21a-24c). The set was issued in both perforated and imperforate form, in quantities of 7,420 and 6,210 respectively.

Both the perf. and imperforate versions of the set represent good prospects for growth, as the post-Soviet economies of the Baltic States continue to flourish. The set is of interest to both airmail and Zeppelin collectors, as the 30 +130 santimu value pictures the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin hovering over Riga.