P. R. of China: 2002 and 2003 year issues

 Have a little time, so I'm going through the stock of materials from P. R. of China!

I see that 2002 and 2003 were quite successful for them, both in terms of the number of issues and the quality of design and printing.

Because Gov't reduced quantity printed of each issue, collectors (Philatelist) and dealers, they were a little worried if it will affect catalog and sales prices, but as I see, all was calm and not too much "jump" in sales prices. 

Comparing it in catalogue (Michel and Stanley Gibbons), I see that prices are adequately placed, not too high and still affordable for this kind of material. I haven't checked, yet, in Scott, but believe it is same as in two mentioned.

So, my personal opinion is, that it is time to fill gaps in album!

Here I put one really attractive issue, which was printed in 2002 year.

SG catalog number: 4675-4683.

Michel catalog number: 3322-3326, 3508-09, 3811-12.

Scott catalog number: 3175-3179, 3336-37, 3547-48.

Full catalog value, for set of 9 values, in mnh condition:

SG catalog = 15.00 BP,

Michel catalog = 16.40 e,

Scott catalog = 9.90 US$.

So, we see that full catalog prices are really affordable for full set of 9 values, if wee talk about Scott catalog, and on European soil it is higher, but still affordable.

I know, a lot of collectors will say that they will not spend 10.00 US$ per set, but (according Scott and Michel, actually we have three sets), we know that on web catalog or eBay, 

You can find this material with reduced prices, just 

problem come when you buy just one set in purchase, where shipping cost will be expensive, so the purchase will be illogical.

From this set of 9, we have this 0.80 RnB value, printed in booklet format of 10 stamps and 2 labels, which SG catalog value at 6.25 BP, Michel catalog have it with 7.00 e and Scott catalog have value of 5.00 US$.

Again, on internet sites, web auction/shops and probably, even in your local 

Philatelic Club, someone will have it for 50-60% of catalog value.

In the end, we can say, this is not material to call "must have", but better say, "clever to have"!

Slovenia - "Idrijan Lace" 1996:

Most of collectors know Slovenia by as new (in)dependent country that separated from Yugoslavia, in 1991.

From beginning, they issued, I can call it, "acceptable" design, but very questionable quantity of postage stamps, which made some "backfire" after AFINSA scandal (scheme). Quantity they print range from one or two million, per set, or 300 000 per single issue, when some topical issue come, it was printed in half million stamps.

For country, that have two million people in population, we understand, that it was clearly, driven by "making profit for any price", and less for market need of Postal System, or people that send mail in "old way".

I was able to have all issues first 10 years, probably little more, so when in 1996 year come issue under name "Idrijan Lace", I was not, well, focused on design, as it was one color design, and in some strange form of printing sheet, that I didn't like.

Over time, it come information that this issue have, some kind of security print, background print in FC, which is visible under UV light, with post horn image and "1996". So, again, I check in catalog/s, see it have no "special" impact on price, and I just close my stock album.

To people that use Michel catalog, they will find it under number (basic set of 12 values) 153-164, and in Scott catalog under number 261-272. Need to mention, that set is issued in six pairs, and catalog value are for set of pairs, where separated stamp will affect market value.

Than, friend of mine, informed me to take care about this back ground overprint, or as they call it, security printing in fluorescent color. Normally, I check the Michel catalog and yeah, it is here!

Three type of it, indeed! Michel made change in listing, to:

153-164 x, 153-164 y I+II and 153-162 y III+IV

First and second option have it stable 6.00 euro per full set in pairs, but this third option made it hard for Philatelist!

Scott catalog have it mentioned in description under listing, where they inform, that "1997" year back print have catalog value of 150.00 US$. 

It is set of just 10 stamps (5 pairs), with "1997" background print, and catalog price are for it great 130.00 euro.

Problem come when You try to purchase it, because it have low quantity made, and not everyone have it in stock, recently, I wanted some samples to buy from Slovenia, but most of dealers there have no one to spare, and that what was available, come to asking price of more than full catalog value.

That was reason, why I put this issue under title "Stamp must Have", where I will suggest to all - check Your album for what You have there!

(Scott catalog number 261-272)

(Michel catalog number 153-162 y III+IV)

(cropped image from Slovenka catalog, 2016 edition)

Czechoslovakia - Poisonous Mushrooms:

 Czechoslovakia - Still popular in Philately:

Recently, obtained issue from this country, under topic of "Poisonous Mushrooms", with really PERFECT design, engraved, with quality of print, that is today available just in few countries worldwide!

Probably, one previous issue from 1958 year is better made, this one is not behind it and well "fit" in every specialized collection.

Here it is:

Year of issue 1989, in Michel catalog number have it under number 3017-3021, with affordable 4.00 euro catalog value.

Scott catalog list it under number 2758-2762, with catalog value per full set of 3.15 US$.

Stampworld catalog, which I admire as most "neutral" for market prices, have this set listed under number 3014-3018 with 3.51 US$ per set, in mnh quality.

If we want to see, what is real price on market, we can check it on eBay, where You will discover one really low price for set, which is around 2.00 US$ per one, but You will need to pay for postage, and probably PayPal fees, so price will be exactly as Stampworld say.

Now, if You want to see this issue in full beauty, You will need it is sheets of 10 stamps, which Scott catalog mention and value at 40.00 US$, Michel catalog is little bit more in price for same sheet of 10, it have 50.00 euro per set of 5. Next one option is listed in Michel catalog, but not mentioned in Scott, and it is that two values from set, are issued in sheet of 4, where Michel catalog for this two values (50 h and 3 K) have catalog value of 200.00 euro.

Expensive, but worth to have in this sheet option, especially, that on market, this sheets are no frequently available, and when it is available, it don't go down with price!

Enjoy!

Slovenia: Michel catalog # 2-5

 'Coat of Arms" 1991 year

Issued on Dec. 20, 1991, and valued in "new" currency named TOLAR (probably they want to be little bit as american Dollar), this set was just under mark as "standard" design.

Nothing specific or "special" in design, mountain Triglav as symbol of "new" (un)independent country, that never exist before.

I have it in stock from regular subscription directly from Post of Slovenia, but...

After short period, it was discovered that they have in two types, according Michel catalog it is numbered with number 2-5 Type I and Type II.

Difference is in "line" over letter PTT from down left corner, where Type I have it drawing from left to right down line and Type II have it from down to up two lines. 

Problem is that it is NOT second print or plate reconstruction in first print, it is just in design from same plate but another plate position.

This issue, avoided me for more than 30 years! Can You imagine it?!

I have direct connection to Post of Slovenia, and many collectors in Slovenia simply never have it in collection and unable to deliver me even one sample of full set!

Last time, before 15 years, I decided to buy one lot of 500 used Slovenia stamps, and there I discovered just one sample of #2, so it was big disappointment for me in finding it.

In the end, I give up - till last months when I made contact with person that have one set spare for selling, and not in "perfect" combination, this person too have it problem with used set, as just three stamps are alone and one stamp come on cover.

 

So I go for it, and checking on Michel catalog price was affordable 12.00 euro full catalog price I come as acceptable, than I check on local catalog SLOVENKA, and booooooom!

Local catalog value it at 80.00 euro (2016 year edition), and seller ask stable 80.00 euro + postage for used condition (shown), and full 100.00 euro for mint, nh condition!

Good price for this kind of material? and why so big disparity between two catalog?

No one know why Michel value material so low even if they have information, that Type II is in very low quantity printed, but they have it as is.

Conclusion is that, if You have a lot of used material from Slovenia, first check for this Type II option and second, keep in mind, that complete collection without this option worth much less than "normal" collection.

That is why I call it STAMP MUST HAVE!

 

Russia - 2018 & 2020 issue - booklet format:

Marx, Engels and Lenin issue:

In 2018, Russia made one issue for

"The 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Karl Marx, (1818-1883)"

with one interesting design, little bit, I can call it "robust", but still

very attractive. Bust of politicians Karl Marx. 

This issue "hit" catalog in very low catalog value of 0.55 US$ per single stamp (Michel catalog number 2556, Stampworld 2587), and on eBay, price are little bit more of near 2.00 US$.

As usually, it is made in sheet of 12, which reach catalog Michel value to 40.00 euro per one, but on same eBay You can find it for around 11.00 US$ postage not included.

FDC is another story, for this issue, and nice design of cover come to very affordable catalog Michel price of 6.00 euro, more affordable of 3.00-4.00 US$ on eBay, but postage cost will "kill the price"!

Than, come 2020 year, with additional issue to this one, as to complete all three politicians that made history and changed our life: 

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Friedrich Engels, 1820–1895

and

The 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Lenin, 1870-1924

This two issues come in same design as first, and printed quantity are around 150 000 samples, not big quantity for size of Russia and collectors around globe.

So, as market go active and request for this issue was really good, Russia Post made another item to put all three issue together, and that was, what I call to this post:

"Stamp Must Have"

it come with one booklet format with all three issue in imperforated option inside!!!!

Booklet format:

All three issues in one well made booklet, pages in English and Russian language explaining about each person life. 

Great item, that I can call "education for our future generation", that I will keep hidden deep in my album!

Marx

Engels

and Lenin

As I mentioned, it is made in imperforated sheet format, medium size for booklet, full in this red color of revolution!

Quantity are very low, but face price on from Russian Post go for around 11.00 US$, Michel catalog update are high, more or around 50.00 euro per one, and as it is printed in just 3800 booklets, probability that too many collectors will be left without one are big.

eBay offering still have it affordable, from 26.00-36.00 US$ per one (postage not included), so now is time to react!

 

Philately as investment - Yugoslavia:

Actually, here is not talk about specific items from Yugoslavia area, it is more about one 

(I think wrong), meaning or "way" of collectors and Philatelist worldwide think about Philately.

All or almost all of Philatelist will say that they collect stamps for pure JOY!

No one think about Philately as investment, just few will trade material, and most of Philatelist actually have material "from here - to there", mixed quality, topical, not full set.

They really collect just to have postage stamps in albums, and as they believe that no profit is possible from this hobby, they keep it that way.

A lot of relaxing time spend with postage stamp, it is fact, a lot of money spend, space, handling.... all is fine till time come to think about selling collection or giving it to the next generation.

Than,  disappointment come!

No one of next generation interested in continuing,  no one of children/grand children wish to keep collection, no one have patience and mean of preserving this "pile" of albums in some secure place. So, the inheritors will just go to first stamp shop, offer it for sale, and go home very disappointed.

Many will just throw this "life work" somewhere in basement, and forget about, naturally, all will go to be damaged after few years, and in the end, material will finish in garbage bin.

Sad as can be!

So, what is problem? No, no problem at all with me, it is "the way world is made" and I accept it in this way.

But, let see some nice example, that made me really surprised!

It is not this "magenta" which was sold recently for few million of US$, or Penny Black, or inverted airplane, or other more "famous" items sold by big auction companies.

We can give a lot of examples, where one stamp is purchased by face value, and within time, this stamp reach some very high returns when sold on internet or public auction, we can mention few stamps that are deposited in banks as "cover" for taken credit or as investment.

Fine to talk, but to give some REAL happening where You can actually prove that Philately/stamp can made a good profit, are very slim. 

Over this 35 years that I deal, trade, collect stamps, I saw few people that purchased plot of land, even apartment from selling collection of stamps. All of this stories are just under "believe or not" title.

Except one!

...that I recently read, and I read it not as connected to Philately, but as one of interview with one great person, published in "The New York Times International Edition", Friday, August 14, 2020, under title "Corner Office", by David Gelles, and interview was with Michael Dell, head of Dell Technologies!

You can ask, what connection at all! High tech, IT, but not Philately, isn't?

So, if You read it, and come to the part when author ask Mr Dell about "How did You become interested in technology?", so, in his answer, Mr Dell say, between all, also: "...I had saved up some money from early entrepreneurial things - trading baseball cards and STAMPS...."!

So, that it is - Philately as "seed", as IGNITION for one investment, yes - INVESTMENT that give starting point for big business!

Good point, why - WHY to collect and be active in stamp trading and building one collection that have value, and probably, will bring to the next generation some kind of "starting push" in other investment, or just as one kind of educational tool for our future generation (education is worth a lot, isn't?).

As I receive last edition of  renowned Michel catalog for Yugoslavia and all related territory, reading and examining last change in prices, comparing it with prices from 2015 year edition, I come across one "classic" item, that have evaded me for many-many years! Even today, after 35+ years in collecting, I have chance to see this item, probably three or four time. Last one sample, that I wanted to obtain, was from person that ask very-very high price for it.

Put aside, that this period of Yugoslavia, most of material are expensive, and almost all will need certificate from known examiner (which, in this modern time are rare), still, asking price, compared with 2015 edition of Michel was - HIGH!

Than come new edition of catalog, to my desk, and when I read, that same stamp are now very-very expensive, I just say - PHILATELY is INVESTMENT now!

This is items that made me think to talk about PHILATELY as investment:

Michel catalog number: 62:

 Yugoslavia, 1918 year, overprint "SHS"

Surprise? 

Not so, because in 2015 catalog edition, it was valued at 2000.00 euro, mint, nh condition even higher, certificate must, and exam mark on back on stamp preferable.

Keep an eye on this country and period, it is very hard to complete but very worth to have!

Romania 2020 issue:

Pheasants of Romania:

Here we go with recent issue from Romania. 

Date of issue: May 22, 2020

Set of four values.

Why I think, that this issue can fit to the title of "Stamp Must Have"?

There are nothing special in topic, birds, pheasants.

Even market value for this set is relatively low.

Set of 4, can be obtained for 7-8.00 US$, little bit more if You buy from internet seller, as eBay or other platform. But, hardly someone will sell it under 7.00 US$ per set, even if You find direct seller.

My attention come to design, made really great way, I can say, unique way to show us beauty of this protected bird! On FDC You can see that well! 

O.K. - we have a lot of pheasant issues made by many countries around, isn't? Yeah, but not in this way and this quality of print!

It is just perfect, it is not Photoshop, it is not photo, and it is not some kind of artist expression.

This is just perfectly made by artist, who invest lot of work and love in this design!

So, why to have it, under "must" have?

Because it is in low quantity printed, just around 52000 stamps printed, and in sheet of 5 stamps + label, it is just near 16000 pcs made. 

Than, if You have ability to buy also FDC, that will be great, because just 225 FDC was made.

Here You can see beauty of FDC:

See this Golden Pheasant on the left side of cover. Something beautiful! 

I remember, as young boy, going with hunters to the field, hunting for this birds. So, when they shot any, I was saddened well.

After that, I just enjoy this birds, alive in nature, they have nice "call" in the evening!

Here is this set of four:

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant – Chrysolophus amherstiae

Reeves’s Pheasant – Syrmaticus reeversii 

Green Pheasant, or Japanese Pheasant – Phasianus versicolor Vieillot

Golden Pheasant, or “Chinese Pheasant" – Chrysolophus pictus

Here You can see it in sheet of 5 and label:

Now, what is a chance to have it in really postal used condition?

Chance is minimal, and probably, if You have it in used condition, that will be CTO only.

Imagine, that someone will send mail, with this stamps on it!

So, go after this issue, it is worth to invest now some 70.00-80.00 US$ per all option, keep it for generation to come, they will have nice issue in collection that is worth money invested!