Stamp Must Have

Israel "First Coins" issue:

2012-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Even that I deal with stamp for more than 25 years around, rarely that I come across items like this issue, which recently, I sold to my client that I will be free to say, is collector "Who Know What Philately Is"!

No more, and no less!

About what is talking?! For sure, about stamp, that MUST be included in any serious collection, if - IF - we (collectors) want to leave collection worth, to our future generation!

Here it is one short description:

"First Coin" issue #1-9 (in all categories), that is issued by Israel on 1948 yr. Some stamp from this set come to my hand also before, but never in this perfect condition, even that 1-6 is really great condition, I didn't manage to find last three value in mint condition, but was happy to have 7-9 in perfectly used condition, that will fit well in my client hands! If it is worth this investment? I think - yes! Why? See, Scott for 2006 valued it at: 1-6 mint + tab = 210.00 $, and 7-9 mint + tab = 4750.00 $.

Searching around most know auction and dealers, I didn't manage to find prices in this range and 1-6 is worth around 550.00 $, 7-9 used only I managed to find, and this go for 1900.00 $.

What is more important, is that for this kind of investment, preferable is to have it examined and certified - because this money is worth it! Here in picture, You have it shown - and I think it is great! Yes, certification will cost You additional expenses, that can reach, for this set - more or less between 250-300.00 $.

Worth this money? 2006 year 210.00 $ - 2012 year it is 550.00 $ - just don't say to me that it is "worth how much collector is willing to pay", because You and I know that it is worth it, even that not every collector is willing to pay it!

NDH - Croatia "Storm Division"

2011-12-23T00:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone of us know WWII and dark period of German Occupation - personally, I never collected this material, specially I don't like to promote any material that can glorify in any way German atrocities and destruction that they made at the time. Here is just one section from web that say: "... Nazis made Ante Pavelic head of the NDH. His Ustase Storm Troopers began eliminating the two million Serbs, Jews, and Gypsies in the NDH...".

But when it come to Philately, I see that some of stamp, issued at the time of WWII have really great design and quality work done! Here, one sample from recently obtained collection, that - when I discovered it inside pile of album, say just "Diamond" - and yes, it is one "must be" item for any more advanced collection that You can build.

Lets start with statistic, which will say, Mi Bl. 8, P. S. catalog no.: 8, Scott B76 s/s, comparing this three major catalog, we come across very big difference in description and prices, probably it is because West and European market difference, and probably something "other" are in the game.

To mention, that this block is issued on Jan. 9, 1945 (Scott have it just under 1944 year), even with date/year of issue this two catalog have difference. This block is issued with intention to promote Croatian division that was involved in many battle over Yugoslavia and abroad, and surtax go directly to finance this "Storm Division". What we have in quantity printed is 7500 sets and 2500 s/s - which is too low for time, and topic! Don't forget, that after WWII come to power communist, which well know how to erase any fascist symbols or "propaganda" of any kind.

Next one point to suggest: Be very careful when purchasing this items, don't do it from any web auction, and if You have it, go and made certificate for same. Even that I can not say who is right, but Scott stated that "plentiful counterfeits existed", Michel catalog don't have this "mark" and PS catalog clearly stated that expertise are need, because "many fake existed, that was produced using ORIGINAL ofset plate". This material You buy JUST and JUST from certified dealer, personal dealer or someone who You personally trust.

Now, what say market? I see that it is nice investment material to obtain - prices from "year-to-year" go up, not because inflation, but because demand, and if it have in 2007 catalog price tag of 1800.00 euro per one, today it is full 2000.00 euro per one - and if You want to obtain one imperforated sample (which was very rare and impossible to find) - be ready to go with 5 to 8000.00 euro in pocket.

Croatia - NDH, WWII period

2011-11-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Bl. 6I, 12 Sept. 1943:

Even that I don't like countries that made genocide around, I must to mention this issue! Artist made it well, and we can say that it is really one "masters work" when is talking of engravings stamp design! It is made with full emotion, and You have feeling to be there, on the street of old city Zagreb!

I will give just some information. This issue come out for III. Phila Exhibition held in Zagreb - Croatia (at the time: Independent Country of Croatia, under German Occupied Forces, some say "puppy state"). Graver was K. Seizinger, printed in Wien - Austria, existed perforated and imperforated, overprinted, with "hidden" graver "S" mark, and without graver mark.

Very hardly, that You will find it somewhere around in perfect condition, because total quantity printed run around 118 000 m/s, take in account WWII period, Communist period after WWII, and You will see that most of it have some fault, or are totally damaged in some way!

What catalog say regarding prices? Keep an eye, if some samples will be available for exchange - take it right away! Michel value it this way:

simple option = 18.00 euro,

with graver mark "S" = 55.00 euro,

imperforated = 350.00 euro.

Which option You have in Your collection?

Just don't mix it (graver mark "S") with stamp and m/s - because graver mark on stamp are inside "window" and on m/s is on the plate of near door on building!

Because "problematic" paper and glue (there is two type of paper, one "hard" and one "Japaneses" more tin), many samples are damaged by humidity, after it - collectors used cancel to "repair" damage - that resulted in some "fake" cancel applied on some examples - existed some very good Phila Societies to find more information, like Yahoo groups on NDH, APS and some other.

Again - search for it, and take it at the spot!

Slovenia, Hydrometeorology issue, 2000 yr

2011-10-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Let's say, nothing specific in this issue - isn't?

Some design, that can be rated around "6" (from 10), no more - no less! At first glance, I even didn't intend to publish it here, I was thinking what is it worth? Some topic? Flower, satellite, lighting, but it is made like amateur job!

Then, when opening catalog, I see that it is printed just in 70 000 stamp, and time of issue was May 9, 2000, I was very surprised why this quantity, if we know that many countries print more than few million and Slovenia print around 200-250 000 per issue, surprise but now they go down to 70 000. O.K. - not big deal that You will try to obtain it - isn't?

But, it have reason - if You read well "Michel" catalog - You will see that this issue are printed in sheet of 9+1 format, which will give You just 7777 printing sheet (funny number?) out from printing plant!

Now I have just old catalog (from 2008 and 2005) and what made me to change decision and inform readers, was a price tag for this sheet of 9 + 1 tab!

In 2005, "Slovenka" catalog give it one very high price of 120.00 euro per sheet, do You really think that ordinary collector will spend so great (at the time) bunch of money? No, I don't think!

Again - BUT!

It come 2008 year, and "Michel" catalog go further (because inflation?) and price tag is now 200.00 euro per sheet of 9+1! God - who is here on this globe, who drive this "jump"?

Are that speculative move, or it is just one of evidence, that (rumor is going around for long time)

"Michel" is such kind of keeping prices for material that they have (to be fair, I even don't know if they have stamp shop)!

How is - is, and if You find it somewhere in "exchange" base - GRAB it - it is not items (in sheet format) that You will have chance to obtain it in the future!

Czechoslovakia Michel block 67A

2011-07-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Again and again I discover some really nice items from Czechoslovakia.

My 25 year in Philately give me nice knowledge about this country, but with time and by daily work, human lose sense of catching on first sight something beautiful, here was it case.

I have this item/s in my stock for long time, but never have time to examine it in proper way, and with "sense" for detail, which are quiet lot on this m/s.

Let start from catalog information: date of issue is Jun 3, 1986. Michel catalog marked it by number Block 67A (existed also B and C version), POFIS catalog marked it by number K2747A and Scott by 2689 s/s. Prices are very different for, because Scott didn't favoring it like Michel or POFIS - but we can more or less, come to one market value by evaluating this parameters. Scott have it on 5.00 $, Michel keep it for some years on 10.00 euro, and POFIS is much low of 40.00 Kron (more or less today 2.00 $). Where is middle? Somewhere between 8.00 to 10.00 US$ I think will be very fair catalog price, which will resulted on market about exactly full Scott catalog prices. Hardly acceptable for US collectors? Probably! But, go around, and see in any US collectors collection if they have this beauty inside! No, You will find very-very almost no-one samples there!

Now, because some "varieties" in this issue, You can well made one small exhibit on this issue. first, this issue have three option. "A" is for s/s perforated in way that You have one stamp, and two tab, "B" is for partially perforated, mean, perforation between stamp and tab are missing, and "C" option is for imperforated s/s. All three option resulted in very different price tag for one issue, where "A" will give just 10.00 euro, "B" go to 20.00 euro, and "C" option to 40.00 euro - nice difference!

Examine POFIS catalog, You will find additional six (6) type for it, because some "repair" in printing process, where engraver work are done to repair "used" printing plate, that occurred in printing process. You must take in account that this issue have around 600 000 pieces printed (all three option together) which resulted in some minor damage to printing plate. Where is difference for this sub-types? In some minor "line" on fingers, face, envelope and post horn, but even that it is "minor" it bring us technically different stamp on market!

And what is even more interesting, that option "B" with imperforated between stamp and tab, give us ONE stamp (if detached from s/s and used on envelope) totally different from "original" stamp (that have just symbol of FIP, globe, Praga 88 logo on it). When we eliminate this perforation between stamp and tabs we have one great design, that have from left side reproduction of one painting from XVIII century, of Post master General Karol Josef hrabe Paar (1654-1725) and from right side is one post history items from Post Museum (post horn, cancel, old mail).

I can say just "great" - great artist work, great history use on postage stamp, and great item that must be included in any serious collection!

P. R. of China 2010 issue:

2011-01-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

Just recently received shipment from China, with two hard cover albums for year set of 2010. First, I'm really happy to see that China Post have and continue with one really great design and quality of stamp, and stamp album at all!

Hard cover, well illustrated, well printed, and this last shipment in hard cover pages inside this year album - lux that no every country on this globe can afford to produce. Yes, all depend on peoples that will or will not to purchase this albums, but I made it and obtained - really happy for it.

Prices for this two albums, with postage included from China, "R-Air Mail" - I pay high, around 240.00 US$, that is lot at the moment that whole year set of 2010 can be obtained from dealers for 46.00 US$, but in this two albums are included also sheetlets, booklets and albums alone - all this will rise prices 5x - expensive, but worth it!

What I want to say, is this one issue, numbered at 2010-19, "Musician", portrait of Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. All together face value

of 8.10 RNB - no high at all, but design, printing (engraving and offset) are well done. I see that it is printed in printing sheet of 20 (not included in year album), and still didn't see anywhere FDC - but will try to obtain also this two option.

P. R. China - Scientist, 1955 yr.

2011-01-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Scott numbered it 245-248a, China catalog C33M Scientist of Ancient China, issued Aug.25, 1955.

Not that it is made with great perfection, but for 1955 year, ethnology level, printing machines, color quality etc, this issue can be named like best -of-the-best!

Simple design give even more beauty to this m/s, and portrait are fine balanced.

here come persons on stamp:

Tsu Chungchin (429-500), mathematics

Chang Heng (78-139), astronomy,

Chang Siu (683-727), astronomy,

Li Shin-chen (1518-1593), physic & pharmacology.

All four stamp are face valued of 8f, at this time standard rate for all China stamp, and with this magic number "8" that characterized China effort in all field of life, from planning economy to the simple day-life.

One color, gravure, paper choice - give just "taste" in Philately, and in wish to include it in every serious collection. Catalog value as in Scott or in China catalog from 1998 and 2006 year, give nice value of 90-100 US$ per set, in mint condition - but if we go to explore little auction houses and eBay, we will discover very fine rise in prices. I see that on market, prices ranged around 300+ US$ per set of four m/s and set in mint condition - this is very nice investment opportunity, even today when we have "great recession"!

Overall feeling for this country philatelic material are and this period - simple, buy it at first glance! mint, used, CTO - don't think twice - even if market will go down, and prices will drop (that I can not see in near future), material will be more and more rare! Too many are going back to mainland, too many collectors in China want this period, material back to collection and offer are near minimum, that what I see on market are very-very high prices!

Serbian Autonomy Kosovo

2010-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Like most of us know, Serbia have two autonomy. One is Kosovo and second Voivodina.

Because destruction of Yugoslavia made some mess around this Balkan territory, with democracy far away from ordinary people, with "no asking" policy when is talking about future of Yugoslavia and Yugoslavian citizen, civil war erupted.

Big power come in (big power = conglomerates and company), with clear intention to "divide and rule" - which resulted, in bombing and final destruction of Yugoslavia, mostly Serbia. Here come one interesting case - Kosovo (text from Wikipedia):

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous quorum^[1] of theAssembly of Kosovo, with 109 in favor and with no opposition, with all 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotting the proceedings.^[2] International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo.

As of 18 November 2010, 72 out of 192 (38%) United Nationsmember states have formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state. Notably, 22 out of 27 (81%) member states of the European Union and 24 out of 28 (86%) member states of NATOhave recognised Kosovo. Serbia refuses to recognise it.

I will not comment now why international community think that "unanimous quorum" can be legalized like democracy or basic for independence, but I will show some fact that is at present there - and some very fine postally used cover, that say opposite of that what EU or USA or NATO countries wish to present worldwide!

When Yugoslavian Army and NATO Force made final agreement that ended bombing of Yugoslavia, Kosovo come under UN Administration for managing Autonomy. I can not say that it was actually occupied by UN Forces, but very near that.

From mid-May 2000 - UN managed also Post and Telecommunication in Kosovo, till when UN forces didn't decided to "run away" (around 2007), and Kosovo start to issue own postage stamp. But - because Kosovo is divided within Muslim population (part) and Serbian population (part), Serbian people continue to keep "order" and Post Offices that are on this territory still have Serbian postage stamp attached and in use. Here is some samples, recently used envelope, delivered to me that have Serbian stamp on it.

Till now, I have 13 different Post Offices cancel, I really don't know how much at all existed there, but it will be very interesting to have it in collection that specialized for Serbia. Value are enormous, because in fact, it is one fact-telling material, that can be used like history in every mean.

Bosnia - Serbian part - Republic Srpska

2010-10-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Just today received one great issue from Republic Serbska (Bosnia, serbian part), it surprised me like with design, massage, history and importance!

Here is part of promotional text that are attached from official site of Poste Srpske, hope that this Authority will not be angry with me because copy right issue:

"...Poste Srpske on the occasion of World Post Day in October 9th issue commemorative stamp with great philatelic interesting thing “Private perforation Banjaluka” connected to the Monastery in Trapisti “Marija Zvijezda” in Banjaluka. Private perforation appeared only on the stamp with the nominal value of 45 hellers, because it is mostly used to deliver packages to the famous cheese “Trappist”. After the stock of perforated stamps were spent, they started to use not perforated sheets of stamps of 45 heller. Monastery got from the post office not perforated stamps in the lack of postal stamp, and because of easier handling, people in the Monastery perforated those not perforated stamps with their perforator in the line perforation 11 ½.

So, one special perforation was created, that was known in the philatelic world as “private perforation Banja Luka” and it was used in the short period during 1910..."

So clever move from this country that I didn't see same or near same move from many other countries in last period! Here we have some topical that can be mentioned, like "stamp on stamp", "cheese", "olive", "building" and some more - it is also nicely designed, arranged and printed - in description it is also very educated from philatelist point of view - I never know this fact about perforation for this stamp - that it is in use just in monastery - someone know it?

Now, how much it will be rare we can just imagine, because hardly that all collectors will have it in mind and know about this issue, and rarity is connected on demand vs availability, but small quantity printed will have an impact, it is just 15 000 pcs printed - I think, most will be delivered to subscribers, and very small quantity will be used on regular mail - because that - if You can obtain it on cover - keep it in Your possession and track the market - You will find very good surprise I think!

Czechoslovakia Michel # 1805 kleinbogen

2010-09-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Searching around my stock for something nice, and thinking that Durer was great!

Here I come across issue from Czechoslovakia (dead country collectors can be interested), year of issue 6 July, 1968. 42 years ago, and so beautiful production, so quality of printing, engraved, color composition hardly that You can imagine it!

This issue is named after 37th Congress FIP, issued in block of four with gutter between two horizontally stamp. On gutter printed World Stamp Exhibition - that was held in Prague (today Czech republic capital city), topic is like You see, Art, Painting, Bible, and some more if You want. In Czech catalog (Specializovana Prirucka, edition from 1988) this issue is named also like auto portrait of Durer. What this Czech catalog have when talking about prices? Not something big, just 60 point - if it is not clear for collectors, it is quality point measurement accepted by Commission in any International held exhibition. Now, when I see on Michel (2007 edition) catalog, there is very nice prices for sheet of 4, 30.00 euro in mint condition, that will fit nice in any collection. But - probably, to find it in perfect condition will be little bit hard task, because period (42 year old item), glue that are cube shaped and very "soft", humidity will attack it "on spot" - because that, handle it very carefully when in Your hand!

Scott catalog (#1555) have prices just for single stamp, and mentioning that existed sheets of 2x2 with label, without stating prices, single stamp have it 3.75 $ against 5.00 euro in Michel, I think that this stamp deserve more than 3.75 $, near full prices of Michel, but it is upon collectors to decide.

I will see just according quantity printed, single stamp are printed 632 400 pcs, and sheet of 4 in just 27 431! Quantity is reasonable for this kind of issue, because many people will search for it if want to complete any serious collection of Art!

Now, we all know, that catalog prices are just "orientation" for market, and Michel catalog have it almost for any country reduced - and for Czechoslovakia, probably You will find it for minimum/maximum 50% catalog value - mean - very affordable for "People Who Know what Philately Is"!

2010-08-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Pitcairn Island:

Darwin Charles, 2009 issue: This country surprised me again! 2009 year, many countries around globe issued this set, to commemorate Bicentenary of the Birth of Charles Darwin (1809-1882), but - I see one of best design just from this country, and maybe Serbia can come close to it - but not so great like Pitcairn Island.

Here we have set of 4, face value of 7.50 NZ$, with main picture of great Darwin there, but also fauna topic around main picture, plus one nice ship - here it will be hard for topical collectors, because fauna, ship, birds topic are included in this set - I don't see what is quantity printed, but if we know that it is printing sheet of 2 panes of 15 stamp with central gutter - it will be very hard to complete and include it in Your collection. Here will be some option to have, like set, gutter between, pane of 15, and probably complete printing sheet - it will take You some nice money just for this issue. But I think, that because of beauty of set - it is worth.

Stamps are issued on 24 June 2009, and will be in on sale for period of 2 years, mean till June 2011, full year You have to obtain it. FD cancel is also very nicely designed, that will fit well in collection.

If we know that face value is 7.50 NZ$ - it is not so big deal for single set, I see that on web dealer, they are pricing same set for around 5.00 GBP - some more and some little bit less - but, difference is not small.

What to say about Darwin? Most of us know almost everything that we need to know, and I will just repeat - when most in Europe believe that world was created by God, Darwin wrote that evolution occur! It was great "bomb" in religious community that was "boss" of the world - and I think, from there start all evolution and revolution around globe!

Slovakia 2010

2010-05-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Even that it is new issue, I must say clearly, include it in Your collection! It is worth, it is great, it is best issue in all history of Slovakian Post - and it will have nice value!

About what is talking? This is one issue named for "400 yr of Zilina Synod" - in description for this issue on Slovakia Post web site, between all, it say: "...the Zilina Synod meant constitution and creation church organization of Evangelical Church...".

Issued on March 30, 2010, one s/s, with single value stamp on, face value are 1.10 euro, (by way, Slovakia installed euro like Slovakian currency, which are, by my opinion, very great dumb move), quantity printed are just 60 000 - too low for all collectors, hardly that You will find it postally used on envelope - and also because many topic collectors will need it in personal collection. You can include it to art, religion, churches, history, birds, Bible and one more intriqued - to JUDAICA topic!

Why Judaica when it is Evangelical Church? See on top/middle of stamp! There is name "God" in Hebrew inscription (even that it is against Jewish tradition to "..use God name in no reason occasion..."). and also one "Magen david star".

But what to say about overall impression for this sheet? I think it is masterpiece! Gravure, color, detail, composition - in one - perfect work!!!!

And black print? Even more than original in beauty! For black print, I don't have information about quantity printed, it is not available on web site, but every one sheet in black color have numeration imprinted - samples that I have are numbered 001509 and 001510 - probably, no more than few thousand, but I can not say for sure. sales prices for black print directly from Slovak Post are 2.50 euro, if You will add next expense for postage delivery, payment delivery, and delivery to Your client - that will rise prices to almost 12-15.00 euro in sales prices to final collectors - and after few year - no one will sell it in less than 50.00 euro per one - if You will be lucky to find seller.

I have just few left in my stock - and probably it will be offered just on "first come - first serve" basis.

Jordan 2009 issue "Breast Cancer"

2010-02-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Even that I don't have lot information about this issue, I must to include it in collection, this is joint issue with USA and many other countries.

Same design like in every other country that issued it, between all I remember also Macedonia, Kosovo, other countries list You can obtain from Gerald Shean, who made one great collection of it.

Short info is here:

I have a small paper from Jordan Post that says the designer was Creative Marketing Solutions; the printer was Oriental Press, in Bahrain; and that the quantity was 5,000 stamps for each value. (I think there is only one value -- 30 Piaster).

From sheetlet, I can see that stamp are originally printed in one face value, but additional value of 30 piaster are imprinted - probably that will go to charity.

For me, design are really great! Body and "pain" color are well represented - and design alone are well done job.

Czech Republic, 2009, Praga Gallery

2010-01-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

And again, Czech republic made us happy - I will shout again - HAPPY - and thanks to Czech Post! This is one really great work, great choice for ART stamp, to give one presentation of work from Frantisek Zenisek (1849-1916), with his work "Oldrich and Bozena" from 1884 yr. I really ask - why, but why other countries didn't made same design, same tehnique to made stamp? Just Czech Post have money for it? Other countries, with bigger industry and population didn't do it! Why? Just because stamp are less valued from other things? If I don't make mistake, stamp are legal tender, to pay some service - isn't? Same like money! This sheet/block are really one art work! Face value are 1.90 US$ at present, but hurry to obtain it from Post in Czech, because in next few month Michel catalogue will valued it much-much more! If You will choice/prefer dealer to supply You with it - prepare to pay twice face value - and in the near future it will go for three time more. I don't know what other collector think about, probably someone will prefer modern art, but I'm sure - everyone will like this one. Suggest to all, include it in Your collection!

Czechoslovakia Michel Block 38 - Tiziano

2009-12-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

For long period I didn't have time to "search" my stock with material that are available for sale, and today, simply, working around stamp, I "catch" this item at first sight! I don't know why, but it come like "star" - gravure, color, and composition of author, this beautiful block can tell us lot!

Michel block 38, Scott 2197, issued on 1978, Sept.12, originally, it is block 37, but additional imprit is made on the side of sheet for entrance ticket PRAGA Philatelic Exhibition - this inscription is main difference between two block, and yes - difference in prices also!
What "catch" my eye is main picture of Tiziano, and choice of author, to made two stamp out from this picture, where we have violinist (Apolon escorter), and King Midas. Music and death, King and escorter to death, King's thinking about punishment, beautiful lady taking skin of Apolon, with another devil bringing water to the scene - You can actually, sit against this issue (better against original picture, but...) and practicing Your feeling in art! Color in use, this finest expression of artist, it must be fascinating in original! I think, that this issue MUST be in every serious collection.

Prices have it different from Scott and Michel - they usually have it because market covering each territory of catalogue. Michel in Europe have an value of 40.00 euro for this block, that are much more higher that first block 37 (have it at 15.00 euro), and Scott in USA valued it at
just 25.00 $ - difference are great, but when I checked my evidence how much was sold from initial stock of 50 pcs before one year - I see that is left just 11 pcs - main market in Europe valued it well - in USA I sold just two copy - not enought for serious market - probably most collector need just basic issue and not this one imprinted.
I lok at quantity printed, and Michel tell us that it is 233700 copy imprinted, 371100 without inscription - not big quantity today, but probably, when it was Czechoslovakia it was enought for collectors around globe.
I wish to everyone serious collectors think about this issue - it is fascinating!

2009-09-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

And here we come again! Really nice surprise for Jewish New Year (5770) - no, it don't have any connection, it simply, fell near this Jewish holiday - it is better say - like usually - continuing with nice topic of Protected Nature Reserve, which have an UNESCO recognition - because of beauty, because quantity printed, and because country origin - I think that it must be in every collection.

Issued on September 2, 2009 - face value of 53.00 KC (around 3.00 US$ per sheet), have an set of 4 value and 4 coupon. Printed in gravure and offsett color tehnique. Quantity is relatively low, 80 000 printed, that reflect probably collectors subscription and some quantity to be delivered to post offices - but hardly that You will find "many" on postally used cover around. I personally ordered one CTO just to have one in collection, and if we will count quantity that are used on FDC's - chance that You will find it on postally used cover are slim.

On stamps are shown: Eudia Pavonia, Aglia Tau, Cervus Elaphus, Bubo Bubo, Ciconia Nigra, Lunaria rediviva, Tyto Alba and on coupon is shown Caprimulgus Europeaus, Myotis Myotis, Smerinthus Ocellatus, Muscardinus Avellanarius and Rana dalmatina.

I will warmly recommanded it to everyone!

Asian Art - 2009 year

2009-05-08T02:55:00.000-07:00

I must say - better, SHOUT!!! Great-great-great!!!! Thanks to Czech Postal Authority to give us (collectors) this quality, this "clever" and human product, that fill collection perfectly with ART!!!!

I have this issue in my hand, recently receive it directly from Post of Czechia, You can feel this gravure by Your finger, Your eye have an easy surf on every part of stamp, colors, design and dimension - all fit perfectly! I can just pray, that this country continue with it.

Here we have 2 stamp in set, one is 18 CKr face value (less than 1.00$US face), with Chinese culture drawing. Pictured is Lu Tung Pin, one from Eight Immortals. and second is 24 CKr face value (little over 1.10 US$), with Indonesia (Bali) culture. On this second value, we have pictured scene from Hindu epic Ramayana, king Rama and his wife Sita. Again one complex and hard to produce drawing - but result are LUXURY!

On the left side of FDC we have also gravure of Horse (China) and Sita (Indonesia/India), cover alone (FDC) are from high quality paper. This item will have value in the future, and it is continuing from previous ART issue, that come each year - hope it will continue.

For market prices, at present You can easy to obtain it from Post of Czech, but take in account, that You will need to send payment in advance, plus shipping and handling cost, that will rise face value nearly double-tripple if You will order just set - because that, I think that on free market You will need to prepare little bit more that face value, but over year or two, You will have nice item in collection, that are worth minimum 60% catalog value which will be actually 20-30% of that You invested.

Michel #155 Kleinbogen "For Childrens"

2009-02-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

SLOVAKIA - Again one nice discovery in my stock - it come from Slovakia (before part of Czechoslovakia), issued December 18, 1944 - near end of WWII, country ruined, people displaced, no food and many children without parent left! One effort, by Post Authority to rise little money and issued this simple, but very eyecatching stamp. Two color print, and lot of visual talk/message - see just artistic work, two children, male and female in young age, relaxing view - every one who will put this picture in fron of eye will think and wish just peace.

What catalogue say? Michel have it correctly valued, single stamp have an 4.50 e value, that reflect correct value, but I will be very surprised if someone will find it in nh condition, mint, nh will have an premium for sure.

Follow: one small sheet of 8 stamp with vignete on middle that have catalogue value of 60.00 euro - this will be acceptable for mint, hinged, without original glue - but in mint, nh, og - You will need to pay much more - I'm affraid near 100-120 euro in best case.

Third option: in Michel catalogue are single stamp no perforated have an great value of 400.00 euro, possible too much for one stamp but it is rare and hardly available - I personally didn't come accross any in my carrieer.

Last option: are same sheet of 8 in imperforated condition - great 10 000.00 euro - possible too much for collectors, but it can be valued this high, because give me name of person who have it!!!!

Quantities are too small for this nice isue - 424 000 pcs issued, that will say - 50 000 sheet of 8 stamp possible on market, less situation in WWII, after that come period when people didn't have so good storage book, and period till today - all at all - little quantities on market. I think that premium prices can be well acceptable if You will find it on market.

Czehoslovakia Michel 2147-49, 51 Flower

2008-11-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

If we talk about Czechoslovakia, recently I discovered this one item and say "Hallelujah again"!!!

Great-great-great design, great graver job, great feeling just to look at this sheet of four, and You can even feel it on Your finger when touching this stamp! Which perfect color in use, it stay in brain memory for long time! I know this issue long time ago, but when You deal with lot of material, sometime it will stay unnoticed - that happen to me, I remember it but didn't "touch" it! And now, when I have this sheet of 4, I really discovered true value of philately and value of "good investment" in this "dare" time of recession and bleak future - simple, it made me happy!!!!

Catalogue Michel (2001-2 edition) have an value just for complete set for 8.50 euro, and stated that set have sheet of 4 and sheet of 10 stamp on. Prices for complete 6 sheet are not big, just 70.00 euro, on market you will find it for 70-80% catalogue value, but Czech catalogue separate this sheet in two section, of 4 and of 10 stamp, that are also available on market.

Because quantity printed and time that pass, it made it more hard to find, it is printed from 1/2 mil to 1 mil pieces, that are relatively big quantity, but - still it is hard to find.

Yugoslavia-Kossovo Separation Fact

2008-10-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

One simple and worth cover to keep history written by philately!

Even that I personally don't like to mix philately with politics, it is an unavoidable, because philately and stamp issue, is in hands of gov't administration, and directly - it is "weapon" for any country government that sit on power at time and place.

What it have to do with this cover that I'm showing now? Let's start to examine this one simple, not attractive cover, even I can say ugly one!

We will start from beginning - it is issue of Yugoslavia, Michel number 2999, issued on Nov 7, 2000 year, not worth some money, mint is just 3.50 euro, and used little as 0.50 euro by full catalogue value, from dealer You will have it in mint condition not more than 1.00 euro. On cover, with nice cancel like this, and in block of four it can reach also 1.00 euro, if it is one simple, ordinary mail. BUT, BUT - this is NOT simple and ordinary!

Here we see: name of town on cancel is K. Mitrovica-M. eKosoves dated 09 02 2001. So what - someone will ask? And I will reply with question - but NATO give independence to Kossovo (against majority of population living in Yugoslavia/Serbia, that Kossovo is part) in 2000 year, and what is that now stamp on this cover from 2001, with Yugoslavia inscription, in use on the Kossovo soil, and more interesting this red one and blue one cancel, in Russian and in German telling us "Yugoslavian (Serbian) post in Kossovo"!

Normally, any educated and informed person will start to analyze this, and I (not so big intellectual) person, come to conclusion, that some leader from this country, thought "back door" give instruction, to prepare public for some kind of or better say, to inform public, for some kind of separation or dividing this autonomy - by issuing one stamp, to using one post, one simple cancel, and it will do the job.

Actually today, eight and half year after this cancel, slowly, and very carefully - both gov't, Serbian and Albanian (living on the Kossovo soil) are "talking" about dividing Kossovo and made part for Serbian population, and part for Albanian population. (Don't ask me what Kossovo have common with Albania - it is another story, very sensitive to comment on this page). Because that I can and wish to suggest, to all collectors that specialize this countries - to keep an eye on every cancel obtained, every used cover obtained - it will tell You lot of untold story by CNN or by NATO or by politician that are or will come to the power - actually it will told us thruth.

And what to say about prices for this simple CTO cover? See, I saw it on one public auction, it was mentioned like CTO cover from Kossovo, low starting price, and I start to 'play' - till I saw that I'm not single person that want it - yes I win, and pay one high price for something that I want in my collection - till today, I didn't find any like this one or near this one - and if I will find it, again I will try to obtain it. Fairly - it can reach again, some 50-60.00 euros per one.

Yugoslavia and Trieste Train issue

2008-07-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Michel catalogue Yugoslavia block 4B (valued at 200 euro) and Trieste block 1A (valued at 250 euro):

This is one really "classic" issue from period of Yugoslavia.

Trieste issue are released 21 January 1950, and Yugoslavia are released 15 December 1949 to commemorate 100 year of railway in Yugoslavia.

Like most educated people know, after Second World War, or better say - during - Yugoslavian National Army liberated city of Trieste in Italy, according it, it was declared "Yugoslavian Liberated Territory" and Yugoslavia start to administrate this port city and also issued postage for use. Because strategic position of this port city, it come to "near" direct confrontation between USA and Yugoslavian army (maybe it is reason why USA bombed Yugoslavia in last civil war there?) - and result was in separation of this city in Zone A and Zone B, in any way - Yugoslavia issued stamp, that are very valued by world catalogues. Reason are few, and one of it is small quantity available, from 12 000 (Trieste) to 28 000 (Yugoslavia), but also topic issued (Train, Railway, Air Mail), and if we see, that Trieste was like "independent state" when is question of stamp, it can be easily collected all from this sphere and made one complete collection. When I say easily - I mean because quantity issued - all together for Trieste Zona B (Yugoslavian administration) existed around 145 stamp, it is not much, but main problem to build this collection will be price - yes, it is not cheap.

This one items from Trieste have an catalogue value of 250.00 euro, and on open market, hardly that someone will sell it less than full catalogue value, in the case that it is question of more purchased material in "one" it will have an reduction, but according my own experience, it will go for minimum 180-200.00 euro.

Collectors that want to purchase Yugoslavian issue, are little bit in better position when is talking about market value, it have an 200.00 euro catalogue value, and market will give You, I'm sure, for 120.00 euro in cash - main reason is that quantity are greater than from Trieste issue, and more important thing is that many people are now selling this material in Serbia, where some great collection are recently offered for sale.

In any way - I strongly suggest to any serious collector, to buy this item as soon as come across an offer - because time, and other element are running against any future availability for this item.

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As today (7/IX/2008) I really must to tell about one mail that I received from collector who recently visited this page, and on mail was one link to eBay, with same item offered for sale (Yugoslavia, block, perforated, used). eBay seller offered it, and how far I understand, sold it, for great 15.00 euro!!! I was in shock - start to think about "nonsense" when I told to reader that this kind of material, this item will be hard to find less than 100-180 euro per one! But, after "first sight" - I uploaded picture, and start to play with my PC - zoomed it, and what I discovered? First - one rust traces on top of block, after that come "trimmed" corners - than can be because block was hinged (hard hinges) or stick on page album, and cancel was "not so visible town name and date" (that give one suspicious about cancel alone, because cancel are well centered on block - like need to be when is in question "canceled to order") - and because no possibility to see back side condition of offered block - I simply say "too risky" to buy - but after that, second tought tell me that even if back side of block are with more damage - it is worth to purchase it for 15.00 euro!!!! If nothing else - You will have one sample on collection - yes, it is wasting 15.00 euro if You have one investment in mind - but if You are pure collector who don't care about "best as possible" quality in collection - it is good purchase.

Existed also other option for this item "low" price - that seller think, that this attractive item will reach on public auction much more participant and that price will reach much-much higher, even top - but, we must know market and collectors little bit more than just "place something for sale"! Now, when many of us are back from holiday, back from trip abroad, start school year, seller need to know, that this is not time for 'spending' on philately - many are just "recovering" from spending caused by traveling and other expenses and simply didn't allow other spending.

Any way - I can just say - THANKS to visitor who informed me about one bargain price, if nothing else - I learn!

Serbia and Montenegro modern but rare

2008-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Michel #3212-13A and 3236-38 (under Yugoslavia name in catalogue):

Let start with 3212-13A (picture on left side), that are issued on 25 Jun 2004, actually one overprint on number 2670-71 I, from "Monastery" issue, and what is rare in this issue is just perforation. It is perforated 13 1/4. Hardly that common collectors will notice it in any accumulation, if will not search detailed in. And most people will even pass it, because it is in small dimension and not so eye catching, but for specialist it will be great to find it and put in collection. Why it is so rare? Simply quantity issued on basic issue, and just rest or better say leftover are overprinted. Catalogue value it on 600.00 euro for mint or used sample, and on postally used cover is almost impossible to find it. I try to contact my supplier, and response is really grave - no available at present on market, mean - too late for to obtain it.

Same story are with second issue that I see in my collection, it is Michel #3236-38 (picture on right side) dated 10 February 2005, from basic issue number 2607 IIC and 3136-37, also overprint, and here more collectors will noticed it because topic are "stamp on stamp", "transport" and other, here is more quantity issued, and automatically catalogue valued it less, at present Michel have it for 70.00 euro, but dealer will sell it for less, even 50-60% of catalogue value.

I still didn't search my postally used cover accumulation from this country and period, but if I will find it - I will made it on this page visible.

Czechoslovakia Michel #Block 7, FD Cancel

2008-01-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I "grabbed" some free time from my job, and I don't know why, I "surf" my Czechoslovakia collection, by way - I come across this beautiful sheet! Something, that will not catch Your eye at first glance, but if You will take it by hands, and little "think" about design and message that it deliver, You will find something more than worth to include this sheet in Your collection.

This sheet are issued on August 29, 1945 - smoke of WWII still "on the air", and Czechoslovakian Post issue an set commemorating Slovakian/National Uprising against the Germans, great! Set of 5 stamp, perforated 10 1/4 - not something special at all, but sheet come on "hard" paper, without perforation, no glue, dimension 148x210 mm, design is more like "classic" for war and post-war period, flags (SSSR, GB, USA and CSSR), sunrising, soldier, town (B. Bystrica, T. Sv Martin, Zilina).

What is "capital" on the sheet? Picture - on right up part of sheet, one beautiful drawing of mother and three children cry on tomb of fallen soldier (father)!!! So perfect symbol and message for future generation! I'm really sorry, that today's generation didn't remember past - even that it is not so long ago, just over 60 year - and they didn't know even what is that stamp and sheet telling to them!

Let's see what catalogue say about prices. Michel (2002 yr), have this block with first day cancel valued at 320.00 euro, that is one "good" starting prices for dealer - I think that on market today You can buy it for 80% of this price, but just in the case that You will find someone who are selling it! Because this disparity, Scott catalogue (#288-297, note) value used sample just 100.00 US$, I opened my other catalogue (Specialized Manual for Czechoslovakia, 1988 edition) - and see that they are really near identical value like Michel catalogue. In this "Manual", prices are not stated, it have one "point" grade for value stamp - and there are "great" 300 point for this sheet with FD cancel!!!

What that mean 300 point? It is like - if standard, not cheap, common stamp have an minimum price of 1 point, this one issue are 300 time more valued than that!!!

I personally like it - and specially, because it remind me about past, about our grandparents and about something that can not be forgotten!

Yugoslavia fauna issue

2008-01-05T03:35:00.000-08:00

Michel #738-749 fauna: issued Jun 30, 1954, one really great set of 12 value, with picture so perfectly designed for postage stamp, and really-really worth to include in collection. It is one classic material, that any serious collector need to have! Prices? High and worth it, Michel catalogue from 2002 year valued it for mint set 150.00 euros, and Scott have it too low just over 40.00 $. This is point where Scott editors need to think, because this set is not easy available on market, and recent eBay offer are around 100.00 euros starting prices - because that I think, this disparity need to be corrected, specially today, when US$ are sliding every single day against euro! Quantity issued for this set ranged from 2 400 000 to low 80 000 pieces, hardly to satisfy collectors need.

This topic continued with issuing another set from same fauna on September 10, 1956 - Michel numbered 795-803, set of 9 value, where we see drastic decrease in catalogue prices, it come down to 50.00 euro, in Scott it is more down just little bit over 20.00 US$.

Even that, because quantity issued, it will be hardly to find it on free market, quantity printed range from 2 and half million, and lower quantity is 112 354 pieces.

Other set in this topic, issued after this two, have rapid decrease in value, mostly reason was

quantity printed, 2 and half million with lower quality design, but again in very satisfactory way. I think, that it is worth to have.

P.R. of China - Andersen issue

2007-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Great-great-great!

That was what I can say - China Post made one deluxe work, great design, clever idea that can go on top issue ever made in last few year.

Yes - it is expensive for ordinary collectors, but worth investment, and yes, worth to include in every serious collection that is connected to China or Andersen alone.

China post marked it by number 2005-12, with set of 5 value, in face value of 3.80 RnB - in standard edition, it is not problem to obtain it by face value, but it is issued also in sheetlet (perforated), sheetlet (self adhesive + stickers) and booklet. All this three option will take more than triple face value, and if someone will have booklet even by this prices, he can say "Hallelujah"!

Booklet alone have one great cover, printed also from inside, and here it come - we have one page "paus" transparent, and page with stamp on middle (perforated), again blank "paus" page and next stamp in row, five of them in beautiful design, technically perfect, best color and picture, really - I'm "out" of it!!!

I don't know how much will dealer ask for set of all three option of this issue - but if You will come across any offer - think to purchase it on spot, don't think twice!

Modern Bosnia (Sarajevo) first issue

2007-12-13T01:54:00.000-08:00

For long period, I was thinking how to present to the public, some stamps, that I think, MUST be in every private collection.

Now, I will try to made some suggestion about it, and show pictures of material that can be suitable for every serious collector worldwide.

Prices, description, comment is solely my private opinion, not connected to any legal or professional company that sell stamps or deal with philatelic market, it is just one "thinking" about material that "pop-up" on market and till today is hard to find and obtain for many reason.

It is not "framed" just for classic period, it is wide period, mostly new, and from different countries - but again, I think that people who care for even small investment in collection, will consider and reconsider self policy where to spend money.

My private opinion (again) - is that if collector spend even one penny for philately, it will be better to spend it on material that (in the far or near future) will always return more that 50% of investment if not even more than 150% of it. When someone throw this penny for material that will never recover even 10% of same investment, I think it is really not justified and not worth to do.

Hope that collectors will understand my opinion - and if not, what I can do - wish to all happy collecting and enjoy.

I will start with one really great issue from modern BOSNIA (Sarajevo - Muslim part), where I have great trouble obtaining one complete issue/set in booklet format from first issue. It is listed in Michel by number 1-7 (Markenheftchen), issued on Okt 27, 1993 year, Scott have it by number 200-206, and here come that big story!

First it is in difference between catalogue value, where Scott have prices for this seven booklet (each booklet have 5 strip of 10 identical stamp, not like Scott say), in Scott is valued just set of seven from booklet, value 12.50 US$ (x50 set will have it 625.00 US$), but Michel have value for booklet separately from set - and booklet in Michel (all seven) are valued (in 2001-2002 edition) of 775.00 euro! Difference is visible!

I easy obtained six value from this set, but one (first of 100d face) was almost impossible to find for more than three year. I contacted all dealer in Europe (mostly Germany) but no one have it. From few I received really "strange" answer like, "...it will cost You lot of money...", "...try with Rockefeller..." etc. From one dealer, I received offer to sell me complete set for 1500.00 US$, in the end - I obtained it from small dealer inside Bosnia for less than half asked by dealer from Germany. Sometimes patience pay!

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As today (Oct. 13 2008) - I must to writte one story, that happen before few weeks, regarding this booklet/s!

Actually, one set of 7 booklets I sold to my customer who specialized with Yugoslavia and ex-Yugoslavia countries. He was really satisfacted when I informed him, that I can supply it, and price was really high. In Michel catalogue from 2007/8 edition, this set of 7 booklets have an 700.00 euro, it come down from 775.00 euro in Michel 2002 edition, loss of 10+% from basic value, that is still good investment - material was delivered, all fine, but!!!! But, one day - I received mail, where client say: "Some collegue in local club, told me that it is not mint (postfrishe), but can be considered like postally used!" - it was surprise (#1) for me, because, I controlled it before shipment, and never saw any sample of canceled - even no CTO - but, because it pass some time, I didn't remembered it at spot - I accepted it back and refund money - when booklets arrived back to me, come another surprise (#2) - On cover of one (Michel #) value, existed cancel/imprint of "Glavni Depo Maraka" - Sector for editing/printing and documentation - Main Depo! (see picture #2).

I was so happy that this one item come back to me - it is simple proof that this issue are original, not "speculative" or "illegal" - it (this "cancel") is more valuable than certificate! This booklet was stored in central post warehouse, for future use in regular administrative offices, it is really geniune.

What happened with client when I informed him about translation of this "cancel" - he simply didn't answered - total silence! I think that collectors in client local club simple was jelous, or maybe didn't understand language and made one wrong decision deciding that it is POSTAL cancel! Who know - in the end I'm really happy that I have it in stock and that can be used like proof of originality!