EACH week we ask an expert to allocate a hypothetical lump
sum of R1m in his or her field. Investment ideas range from the stock market to
art.
This week Alan Rogers, president of the Royal Philatelic
Society of Cape Town and president of the Philatelic Federation of SA, shares
his wish list.
Everyone who has inherited stamps or albums has the thought
at the back of their mind that they could be worth something. However, it is
rare to pick up a gem from a casual, general collection.
If you are serious about investing wisely, research the
market, ask questions and use only reputable dealers such as those affiliated
to the South African Philatelic Dealers Association or similarly
internationally recognised dealer associations.
Valuable or rare stamps are issued with certificates of
authenticity, which is a guarantee of quality and provenance. While classical
stamps usually attract greater value, varieties on more modern material can
also garner high prices.
There are some highly prized items such as the block of four
Australian 1913/14 Roos 3d Olive with imperforate sides, which sold on auction
in South Africa for R826 000. On the
other hand, one could expect to pay up to R150 000 for a King George V Silver
Jubilee Prussian Blue commemorative stamp.
If I had R1m to spend I would indulge in my personal
favourite - King George V Seahorses.
These were issued in four printings between 1913 and 1934. Although
there are four stamps to the series, only the first printing has all four
values: 2/6d, 5/-, 10/- and £1.
These particular stamps hold their value and all things
being equal, should substantially increase in value over a five-year period. I
would also opt for a Prussian Blue.
While I only collect unmounted mint stamps, postally used
items often attract extremely high prices.
- Fin24
- For Dream big
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