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)

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!