Proof or Black print stamp or Test stamps from Germany

Hello Gandhi Collector,

On eBay you might be seeing Germany Gandhi Proof Print stamp or Black Print stamp, but it's a photograph taken from 1969 Germany Year Book. In past, I bought this Germany Proof print and I have to return it to seller.

So make sure when you buy this kind of Rare material. It's selling as Germany Gandhi 1969 Black test stamps or Photographic proof  or German Archive  proof prints.


Germany has issued a surprising number of "proof prints" commonly called "black prints" or in some cases referred to by the post office as, "test stamps". After stamp is selected they come up with color trials which you will see from different countries but very rarely seen this tests stamps.


Test Stamp is a label not valid for postage, used by postal authorities on sample mail to test various sorting and cancelling machines or machines that can detect the absence or presence of a stamp on an envelope. May also be known as "dummy" or "training" stamps.

In most cases, the "proof prints" from Germany have been made using the
engraved portions of issued stamps. They are usually imperforate, printed in one color (different than the issued stamp).

Above is copy of 1969 yearly Germany Stamp book

How you can make TEST stamp.

1) Print above sheet
2) Cut it
3) Print more on kodak paper or any good paper
4) start selling.!!

Recently I saw this kind of photographers (similar to my purchase) are selling for $130!! on eBay by seller "creativityplus4" from UK. So make sure before you buy what are you buying it.!!

Want to know more about Germany Gandhi stamps related philatelic material then click one of the following link to read my previous blog post.

1) Deutsche Briefmarke Gandhi - Briefmarkensammlung
2) Gandhi Briefmarken Specimen from Germany
3) INTERNATIONAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION : Fake and Forgery !!
4) Is Germany withdrawing from Euro or Leaving Euro Zone ?. But it started in Germany.!!
5) Germany Gandhi Imperf stamp used cover and BLUM case of Forged Rubber stamp.!
6) Germany Gandhi First Day Cover selling under $2.!!
7) Mother of all FORGERY. Bogus Gandhi Special Cancellation from Winnenden Germany to celebrate Non-Violence for School shooting.

Again thanks for reading this blog post and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club.

Personalised stamp - Customized Postage - Mystamp - Smilers

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

What is Personalised stamp?

As name indicate it is personal stamp which anyone can make it " Create your own stamp". This is offered by some of the countries like USA, UK, Belgium, Iran, Nederland etc. Some countries allow label(e.g UK) with there stamp and others allow stamp directly(e.g. Netherlands,USA)

It is also called Customized postage or Mystamp  or Smilers

Why Personalised stamp?
This stamp is for fun to celebrate certain special event or function in someone's family such as birthday, marriage, new arrival etc.

Why Gandhi Personalised stamp?
To make MONEY.!! As there is not enough Gandhi philatelic material to collect when you compare to other thematic collection such as birds/flowers/animals/sports etc so now a days individuals are coming up with a great new idea of making personalised stamp of Gandhi and creating different postal material such as FDC, used covers etc

What is philatelic value of thie personalised stamp?
Nothing.!! ( This is just my opinion). According to me there is no limit of this personalised stamps. If there is huge demand of that stamp than it can be reprinted. Also there is no authority to control this so in future I can also print it with any topic related to Gandhi. This is like making a rubber stamp.!!

In past stamp dealer were printing out stamps from smaller countries and flooded the market, now everyone can print there own stamps.!!

Also sometimes dealers/collectors/seller this stamps as a STAMP instead of personalised stamp, customized stamp, mystamp or smilers.!! Following is example of Gandhi stamp from Austria which was for sale for $100 and then $75!!

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2012/03/gandhi-stamps-austria-osterreich-gandhi.html

What are other possibilites of this personalised stamps?
There are chances that in future someone will come up with some offending stamps with Gandhi pictures or his principles which he follow throughout his life.

Recently I read article that someone in USA came up with stamp of HINDU GOD and which is offending to all Hindu people around the world and there is no way to stop them.!! You can check following link for this article.

http://www.zeenews.com/news600754.html

Now it's upto collector to decide what they want to collect and what they do want to do with their collection. Also it's upto collector to decide how much value is in collecting personalised stamps or customized stamps or smilers or mystamp.

Following are some of the personalised stamp and FDC. I don't own any of those.

Gandhi Personalised sheet from England which is called as SMILERS is selling for 100+ dollars.

Smilers are not direct stamps but you can add your photo to another stamps.

Following is 6 Gandhi Personalised stamp from Iran which is selling around 10+ US dollars.

Following is FDC of personalised stamp from Australia which mentioned about Gandhi's Death Anniversary but the postmark date is incorrect and selling for about 10+ US dollars.

This personalised stamp is very easy to make. Just go to any countries postal service website and see whether they are offering service to Create your own stamp. If they than just click the link, upload any free Gandhi picture and write anything on it and order it by paying and than start selling on ebay or delcampe and you will make 3 to 5 times profit. 

Read my following blog post to understand about stamp collection in DECLINE.!!

1) A Hobby in Decline : 1948 Gandhi USED cover case study.!!
2) A Hobby in Decline.!! - Part-2
3) How to invest when philately price is dropping.

If you see stamps are not even selling or selling like 5-10 times lower their value than mentioned in catalog.!!

There is nothing RARE or Scare in philately because this hobby is in downward trend because experienced collectors are loosing interest because value is not appreciating and new collectors are not coming in to this because there are lot of other things to do for them such as playing video games on Nintendo or X-box , social networking on facebook or google+ or  surfing on web through internet or SMS through iphone or android or watch games such as cricket, football or basketball.!!

Only way philately can sustain is to stop cheating in this hobby. Yes CHEATING.!! which is what you will see in order to increase value artificially by inflating the price by SHILL bidding, not paying to seller or mutual understanding cancelling transaction and lot more.

To know more about this kind of activity read my following blog post and think what are the possibilities in cheating, glorification, SHILL bidding, FAKE, Forgery etc.

1) 1948 Stamps False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?
4) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
5) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?
6) Maxi Card sold for $5100 with 1948 Gandhi Stamps - False hope of Riches - Part VI?
7) Indian Philately Exposed 
8) Indian Philately Exposed - Part II
9) Gandhi SERVICE overprint stamp price fell from $1009 to $1.!!
10) How can you tell that Gandhi SERVICE stamp is FAKE or Forgery ?

I hope all the above will help while making decision in investing stamps and to avoid getting CHEATED.!!

Now don't you think it does NOT make sense STAMP INVESTING!!

Thanks

Gandhi Stamps Club.

Winston Churchill stamp : Churchill called Gandhi "Naked Fakir".

Hello Gandhi Collector,

I am surprised by a USA collector/dealer who made above cover. In 1965 he was "Thinking Differently" and made this cover. Main point to look at this that Churchill & Gandhi together along with other Champions of Liberty stamps of Ernst Reuter, Lajos Kossuth, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Simon Bolivar.

They both were born worlds apart: Winston Churchill to Britain’s most glamorous aristocratic family, Mohandas Gandhi to a pious middle-class household in a provincial town in India. Both men would go on to lead their nations through harrowing trials and two world wars—and become locked in a fierce contest of wills that would decide the fates of countries, continents, and ultimately an empire.

Learn from this cover and try to "Think Differently" instead of increasing value of Gandhi item by Shill bidding, FAKE Postmark Cancel, Making Fake Gandhi Used Register covers from Mauritius and other countries and lot of other things.

I really admire "Thinking Power" of that person who did all this effort to make this special FDC.

Once Winston Churchill called Gandhi "Naked Fakir".

Churchill quotes on Gandhi is "It is alarming and also nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, a seditious Middle-Temple lawyer, now posing as a fakir of a type well-known in the East, striding half-naked up the steps of the Vice-regal palace... to parley on equal terms with the representative of the King-Emperor"

Churchill opposed Mohandas Gandhi's peaceful disobedience revolt and the Indian Independence movement in the 1930s, arguing that the Round Table Conference "was a frightful prospect". Later reports indicate that Churchill favoured letting Gandhi die if he went on hunger strike.

Please click following blog post to know more about Forgery in King George stamps, King Edward Stamps, Queen Victoria Stamps, 1911 First Aerial Mail and ofcourse Gandhi Stamps and philately.

1) Forged 1948 India Gandhi stamps

2) Forged 1948 India Gandhi SERVICE overprint stamp

3) Forged 1948 Gandhi Mourning first day cover.(different way to mourn.!!)

4) 1911 First Aerial Mail special cachet cancellation from Allahabad

5) Forged 1854 Queen Victoria stamp.

6) FAKE Gandhi Specimen stamp

7) FAKE Error Overprint stamp from Cameroon

8) FAKE Nicaragua Gandhi and Einstein FDC

9) FAKE Germany Gandhi Cancellation from Winnenden to spread non-violence for school shooting incident. ( philatelic gone extreme.!!)

10) FAKE Error stamps

Then please read some of my classic research blog post and think more about it.

1) 1948 Gandhi Stamps and Philatelic material are False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
4) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?
5) Maxi Card sold for $5100 with 1948 Gandhi Stamps - False hope of Riches - Part VI?
6) Indian Philately Exposed 
7) Indian Philately Exposed - Part II

So don't you think this is a unique First Day Cover.?

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club.

Egypt Ghandi Stamp : You decide what's going on in Gandhi Philately.!! Egypt 1969 Gandhi FDC sold under $2 !!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

You decide what's going on in Gandhi Philately after looking following screen shot. 1969 Egypt Gandhi FDC was sold for $1.58. 

Egypt Ghandi stamp has Gandhi portrait and  Emblem of India as well as Emblem of UAR (United Arab Republic). Also you can consider this as error stamp because spelling of Gandhi is misspelled as "Ghandi".

But in 2011 this First day cover with Gandhi stamp was sold for $1.58.!!

Seller: "Smeagle" from UK.

Price: $1.58 (0.99 GBP)

Buyer: "speedbird1*"

Date: April 10, 2011.

But also interesting thing is other Gandhi items were sold to some Gandhi stamp buyer/seller we see them routinely in Gandhi Philately.!!

I am not sure why such a low price even after 40+ years. Also this was in auction and only one buyer for this. Is it not amazing.!!

Do you know why such a low price.?

This is not only in Egypt stamps but all other countries also.

1) Togo Gandhi Stamps collapse

2) India Gandhi stamps for Investment?

Still want to do research  then please read my other blog post about Gandhi Stamps and you yourself think how Gandhi Stamps are glorified!!

1) 1948 Stamps of India are False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps of India: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?
4) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
5) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?
6) Maxi Card sold for $5100 with 1948 Gandhi Stamps - False hope of Riches - Part VI?
7) Indian Philately Exposed 
8) Indian Philately Exposed - Part II


I don't think it's for INVESTMENT because there are lot of great Investment out there.

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club

BTW: But when you want to buy this you will not able to buy it at this price. This is Mystery.!!

Expensive Stamp !!! Is this Gandhi SERVICE stamp really worth $225,000 ? Do you think Gandhi Stamps and Philately is good for eBay Shareholders ? Part - II

Hello Gandhi Collector,

(Rewriting this blog again with more updated info).

From Wikipedia : A set of stamps over-printed as "Service" was issued to the Government of India for official purposes. Only 100 Mahatama Gandhi 10 Rs. stamps were overprinted with "Service" and issued for the use of C. Rajagopalachari, the Governor General of India, making it the world's least printed stamp. Of the hundred stamps that were overprinted with "Service", a few were gifted to dignitaries, while most remain at the National Archives, Postal Museums, etc. The recent book by Dr. Reuben Ramkissoon and Dr. Rajagopalan reports that less than 8 copies of the Gandhi 10 Rs Service stamps reside in private hands. Forgeries of the overprint are known. (click to read more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_10_Rupees_Mahatma_Gandhi_postage_stamp)

In June 2010 Gandhi 10 Rupees SERVICE overprint stamp was  selling for $225,000 from San Francisco, California by "tappalman" (as of 6/26/12 eBay id don't exist.!!!).

Looking to all Facsmile/Copy available in 2012for this kind of 1948 SERVICE stamp how we can trust this is indeed Genuine stamp. To read more about FAKE Gandhi Stamps read following blog post for more awareness.

1) 1948 Gandhi Facsimile stamp
2) Maryland Forgery
3) How can you tell Gandhi SERVICE stamp is FAKE or Genuine.?
4) FAKE 10 Rs. SERVICE stamp price $1009 to $1 in just 4 months?


Following is FAKE/Forgery/Facismile/Copy of this stamp available. How we can trust above is indeed Genuine stamps.

Yes seller is providing certification for this stamp, but don't know why all important information is blacked out.

To me it looks like FORGED expertizing certificate so want to even hide certificate #, meeting date, signature, submitted by.

Or to me it look like REUSE of expertising certificate.

Don't understand why to hide if it is  Genuine.?  Should be proud owner and ready to pay all government taxes and commission to ebay after the sale.!! Cannot hide anything when you sell in public internet.

Also I read that FAKE/Forged Certification (it's only piece of paper) are available all the time. It's not that hard to print if Fake Currency can be printed and even FAKE id or Passport is also made.!!

So don't you think that this 1948 stamps can be forged easily.

What happen to this stamp valued $225,000?

Just Curious. If you know than please write comment on this blog.


Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club
My other favorites blog post.
1) 1948 Stamps False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?
4) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
5) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?

Belgium Gandhi Stamps : Can't believe the pricing of this 1999 stamp sheet of Gandhi with Kennedy, MLK, Nelson Mandela, Lenin, Guevara, Golda Meir, Jesse Owens, Football, Bicycling, Tim and Struppi stamps from Belgium.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.

Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Dutch-speakers, mostly Flemish (about 60%), and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons (about 40%), plus a small group of German-speakers. Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. The Brussels-Capital Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region.

Belgium issued  first Gandhi stamps with Euro as it's currency.

In 1999 Belgium issued stamp sheet of 20 stamps each 0.42 euros. That means that it's price is 8.40 Euros.

Recently I saw above sheet sold under face value, for 6.50 Euros.!!!  This means that each stamp is 0.33 euros.!! So after 12+ years it's price has gone down instead of any appreciation even after keeping in safe storage.

This sheet has Gandhi stamp along with other 19 stamps  of Pope Johannes XXII., King Boudewijn., Willy Brandt., John F. Kennedy.,  Martin Luther King., Vladimir Lenin., Ernesto 'CHE' Guevara., Golda Meir., Nelson Mandela., Jesse Owens., Football., Bicycling Eddy Merckx., (female) singer Edith Piaf., Pop and Rock music the Beatles., film/movie Charley Chaplin., Tourism beach and holidays., Scouting., Comics., Tim  and Struppi von Hergé., philately stamp & magnifying-glass.

Following is the screen shot of selling price. Check it out 

After looking at this price Do you think stamp hobby is dead.!! This sheet is not even from very small countries who makes money on stamps like Aland, Sao Tome, Nevis etc and still value is going lower then it's original value.

Is it worth to collect Gandhi stamp sheet?

Read my following blog post to understand about stamp collection in DECLINE.!!

1) A Hobby in Decline : 1948 Gandhi USED cover case study.!!
2) A Hobby in Decline.!! - Part-2
3) How to invest when philately price is dropping.

If you see stamps are not even selling or selling like 5-10 times lower their value than mentioned in catalog.!!

There is nothing RARE or Scare in philately because this hobby is in downward trend because experienced collectors are loosing interest because value is not appreciating and new collectors are not coming in to this because there are lot of other things to do for them such as playing video games on Nintendo or X-box , social networking on facebook or google+ or  surfing on web through internet or SMS through iphone or android or watch games such as cricket, football or basketball.!!

Only way philately can sustain is to stop cheating in this hobby. Yes CHEATING.!! which is what you will see in order to increase value artificially by inflating the price by SHILL bidding, not paying to seller or mutual understanding cancelling transaction and lot more.

To know more about this kind of activity read my following blog post and think what are the possibilities in cheating, glorification, SHILL bidding, FAKE, Forgery etc.

1) 1948 Stamps False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?
4) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
5) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?
6) Maxi Card sold for $5100 with 1948 Gandhi Stamps - False hope of Riches - Part VI?
7) Indian Philately Exposed 
8) Indian Philately Exposed - Part II
9) Gandhi SERVICE overprint stamp price fell from $1009 to $1.!!
10) How can you tell that Gandhi SERVICE stamp is FAKE or Forgery ?

I hope all the above will help while making decision in investing stamps and to avoid getting CHEATED.!!

Now don't you think it does NOT make sense STAMP INVESTING!!

Thanks

Gandhi Stamps Club.

Togo Gandhi Stamps set with George Washington, Albert Luthuli (Lutuli), Simon Bolivar, Friedrich Ebert stamps are not for investment.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Togo, is a country in West Africa bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to the Gulf of Guinea, on which the capital Lomé is located.

From the 11th to the 16th century, various tribes entered the region from all directions. From the 16th century to the 18th century, the coastal region was a major trading centre for Europeans in search of slaves, earning Togo and the surrounding region the name "The Slave Coast". In 1884, Germany declared Togoland a protectorate. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France. Togo gained its independence from France in 1960. (Source : Wikipedia).

In 1969, Togo honored Mahatma Gandhi with a set of a 2 stamps valued 30 and 90 CFA Franc. Along with Mahatma Gandhi they also honored George Washington, Albert Lutuli, Simon Bolivar, Friedrich Ebert with one stamp for each.

Not seen any official FDC but you can see private FDC of this stamps, but you need to make sure about authenticity of FDC.

In October 2011, set of 6 stamps was sold for $3.!! Amazing price after 40+ years, which tells that Gandhi stamps are not for investment.

Don't trust all the news articles which is mentioning that you should put some percentage of your investment in stamps.!! Think and research first about this investment. Compare it with Gold or even Stocks(Shares) and then if you think it's worth it then go for it.

Even with famous leaders from around the world this stamps in not appreciating.

You will see this stamps selling from $5 - $15 on delcampe or ebay so beware of pricing.  So new collectors make sure about pricing before you buy this stamps.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.


Please read my following blog post  and check out following images (to me it's a national joke) about following FAKE AND FORGED Gandhi stamps and philatelic cancellation.

Germany FAKE Cancellation with illegal usage of National Emblem 

FAKE 1948 Gandhi  stamps "JAI HIND" Cancellation
Forged 1911 Aerial Mail and Gandhi Philately 

Gandhi SERVICE FAKE Stamps and Governor Cancellation 

Forged 1948 Gandhi Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation 

************************************************

Following is brief information about  other leaders. (Source : Wikipedia).

George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787.  His leadership style established many forms and rituals of government that have been used since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. Washington is universally regarded as the "Father of his Country".

Albert Lutuli was a South African teacher and politician. Lutuli was elected president of the African National Congress (ANC), at the time an umbrella organisation that led opposition to the white minority government in South Africa. He was awarded the 1960 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the non-violent struggle against apartheid. He was the first African, and the first person from outside Europe and the Americas, to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.


Friedrich Ebert  was a German politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). When Ebert was elected as the leader of the SPD after the death of August Bebel, the party members of the SPD were deeply divided because of the party's support for World War I. Ebert supported the Burgfrieden and tried to isolate the war opposers in the party. After the war and the end of the monarchy he served as the first President of Germany from 1919 until his death in office.


Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader. Together with José de San Martín, he played a key role in Hispanic-Spanish America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in Latin American history. Bolívar remains regarded in Hispanic-America as a hero, visionary, revolutionary, and liberator. During his lifetime, he led Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia to independence, and helped lay the foundations for democratic ideology in much of Latin America.

Ghana Gandhi Stamps - Does value of Gandhi FDC makes sense.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Ghana is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

The Gold Coast achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 and the name Ghana was chosen for the new nation to reflect the ancient Empire of Ghana, which once extended throughout much of west Africa.

On December 24, 1998 Ghana issued 4 stamps(each 2000 Ghana Cedi) Miniature sheet  of Mahatma Gandhi with pictures of his famous Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) and various age portrait. Also this sheet has quotes of Mahatma Gandhi.  (Not sure why they issued in  December instead of October 2nd !!). Also Ghana  issued another Miniature sheet of Mahatma Gandhi value 5500 Ghana Cedi. 

So total 5 stamps (2 Miniature sheet) were  issued in 1998 by Ghana.

In September 2011, FDC of this Miniature sheet was sold for only $1.29.!!  Ghana 1998 Gandhi IMPERF Sheetlet FDC.

Seller : stamp_bay (USA)

Buyer : adityamootha (India)

Date : Sep 3, 2011

Price Sold :- $ 1.29 (less than a $2!!)

To me all 1998 Gandhi FDC from African and South American countries looks like questionable (more than 10-15 countires.!!!!)

It's surprising to see this kind of price for Gandhi Philatelic material.

I am not sure how much catalog value of this FDC but I think $1.29 is under stamp catalog value.!!

But I am sure it is selling under face value, as in 1998 $1=2300C. So above miniature sheet, in 1998 was somewhere between $4-5 when it was sold in Ghana.!!

What a decline.!!

 The Ghana cedi was introduced on 3 July 2007 and is equal to 10,000 old cedis. It was the highest-valued currency unit issued by sovereign countries in Africa in 2007

1 US Dollar = 1.62689 Ghanaian New Cedi   (16000 Old Cedi)

Following is another miniature sheet. Not sure about current pricing but I will update in future.

So looking to all this, it seems to me that Gandhi Stamps are not for investment as $4 invested in 1998 is currently getting only $1.!! which is 300% decline in value.

After looking to this value to me it looks like no one wants to collect stamps in this modern world, because there are lot of others things to do, such as play video games on ipad, xbox, gamecube or on internet surf on web or facebook or lot of other outdoor activity such a hiking, skating, running etc or watch different shows on TV or sports games such as Cricket or Football or Basketball or just talking on smartphone or chating.!!

After all this kind of things you don't get any more extra time to pursue your hobby of stamp collection were not that many people are involved and you feel like retard when you talk to friends.!!

Also there are lot of cheating such as Forgery stamps, Shill bidding, BOGUS philatelic material  involved in stamps collection.

Want to know more about FAKE and FORGERY stamps then checkout other blog post click one of the following link and you will be surprised.!!!

1) Philatelic FAKE and FORGERIES.
2) FAKE AERO PHILATELY Covers.
3) Stamp collection CHEATING.
4) Stamp Collection Value
5) Stamp Collecting Facts
6) China stamp collection value.
7) First AirMail Post
8) World First Flight Cover
9) Greatest Stamp Collection Scandal 
10) Biggest stamp collection SCAM
11) SCANDAL in stamp collection 
12) How to increase stamp collection value

Now does it make sense to collect stamps ?

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club

Malta Gandhi Stamps Sheet - Is it worth for collection or investment.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Can't believe it when I noticed Malta Gandhi stamp sheet of 60 stamps was sold under $13 after 40+ years.!!

I don't think Gandhi Stamps or Gandhi Sheets are for investment.!!

Update on 12/15/2011 :

Check out price of recently sold Malta Gandhi FDC and no one willing to buy block of 20 Gandhi Malta stamps even at $4.99!!

Reason for this low value is because there are lot of Forgery and FAKE stamps and philatelic items related to Mahatma Gandhi stamps from India as well as other stamps of India.

It's not only stamps from India but also other countries also. Read following link to understand what's going on.


1) Nicaragua FAKE First Day Cover with Gandhi and Einstein Stamp.
2) Madagascar Forged FDC with Gandhi stamps.
3) Fake cancellation on Panama Gandhi Stamp to make private First Day Cover.
4) Forged 1948 Gandhi First day cover with stamps from India.

So think before you buy. Just don't buy if any philatelic magazine, book or website praise about it to glorify Gandhi philatelic material. It's in your hand.!!

So how can we even trust all the philatelic material with stamps from India. To me it all looks BOGUS to make money from collectors by selling lot of FORGED in 1948 Gandhi Philatelic used covers, register cover and even First Day Cover.

Still want to do research  then please read my other blog post about Gandhi Stamps and you yourself think how Gandhi Stamps are glorified!!

1) 1948 Stamps of India are False hope of Riches?
2) 1948 Gandhi Stamps of India: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?
3) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?
4) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?
5) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?
6) Maxi Card sold for $5100 with 1948 Gandhi Stamps - False hope of Riches - Part VI?
7) Indian Philately Exposed 
8) Indian Philately Exposed - Part II


Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

9/11 - 10th Anniversary Event Card

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

As you all know from my other blog post about 9/11 Memorial Cover,  that I was present in New York during 10th Anniversary of 9/11, I also made following 2 different Event cards(total 5+4=9)  to remember this event. Only one each were send through regular postal stream and other 7 has only cancellation (not through postal stream ) so it stays in good condition.

This event card has some of famous Gandhi quotes :

"An Eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind"
"Be the Change that you want to see int he world"

Both Event card has official special cancellation from USPS in front of  Event Card.

1) "We Will Never Forget" from "Memorial Station, NY"
2) "Never Forget" from 10th Anniversary Station,  NY.

 In back of Event card it has regular postmark hand cancel dated Sep 11, 2011 from James Farley post office (yes it's open on sunday) and it is mailed to my house with automatic cancellation and barcode.

Also this Event Card has Gandhi stamps in front and back and also there  are two quotes of Mahatma Gandhi. in front and one quote in back(on one card it is damaged due to postal stream.!!). In back there is also description about  9/11 (September 11 attacks).

You can read my other blog post related to 9/11 Memorial Cover by clicking following link.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-memorial-cover.html

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks
Gandhi stamps club


Photographs, Contents and Style Copyright Ketankumar Patel © 2009 - 2011
Material from this article may be reproduced only with the written consent of Ketankumar Patel. If you need higher resolution pictures of this then let me know.

Is Stamp collection hobby a SCAM, specially in Gandhi stamps and philatelic materials.!! My three experience in this hobby tells me YES.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In November 2011, I finished my three year journey in Gandhi Stamps and Philatelic material collections. It was a great experience with very good learning, which had not only taught me about this hobby but also what are other possibilities in this world and how to be AWARE of fraudulent activities not only in philatelic but about everything.!!

It's a SCAM .!!

It's a Big SCAM!!!

It's a Very BIG SCAAAAAAM!!!!!!!!!

As you all know that I write about my research and my personal opinion about Gandhi stamps and philately material on this blog so new collectors are aware of all things and get some kind of reference (in my case there was none) about following.

1) Buying experience of ebay and delcampe

2) Information about different FAKE philatelic material
3) My Creative Gandhi philatelic covers.
4) Some Rare Gandhi Philatelic materials.
5) General Gandhi Philatelic materials.

Now after 3 years and all this research and futher study about all this activity, I can tell that Gandhi Philatelic hobby is a very big SCAM.!! I think I know what I am talking about.!!

What is SCAM ? (a stratagem for gain; a swindle)
What is SCAMMER [to swindle (someone) by means of a trick]

IF YOU ARE RUNNING AROUND TO COLLECT GANDHI STAMPS OR PHILATELIC MATERIALS, PLEASE GO THROUGH THIS BLOG POST AND UNDERSTAND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLITES   BEFORE YOU START ACCUMULATING GANDHI PHILATELIC ITEMS FOR YOUR COLLECTION.

Let me start from Pre-Independence and finish it till 2011.

But let me tell you that I only have just 3 years of experience in this Gandhi Philately so I might be wrong on some cases or all cases.!! If you think any of the following is incorrect/wrong then please let me know so I can change it and provide correct information to all new upcoming Gandhi collectors.

1) What are this Pre-Independence Gandhi Boycott label?

I think most of them currently available are FAKE. (It's all Reprinted and then naturalized to look like old.!!, Some of them are even hand cut to look like perf.!!). Also lot of shill bidding in this label auction to prove that lot of buyers are interested.

2) 1948 India Gandhi Stamps? (Read in detail about 1948 Gandhi issue.)

Why 10 Rupees Gandhi Stamps. ( 10 Rupees was too much money back in 1948 for Indian people)?

Why 10 Rupees SERVICE overprint Gandhi stamps?

Why only 100 Gandhi 10 Rupees SERVICE stamps.?

Why only 18 known 10 Rupees SERVICE Stamps.? Where are others 82.? (According to me there are all 100 stamps are in safe hands.!! This was start of Biggest SCAM ever.!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Fake 10 Rupees SERVICE stamps also available.!!

Also  Used on paper 1 1/2 Annas SERVICE are questionable.!! Very hard to believe it is really used.

Why some rare folders available without knowledge of Indian Goverment?

Some FDC available in current market looks questionable which don't have special cancellation? Such as from Nepal, Pondicherry, Goa, Calcutta etc.

Also some special cancellation issued during 55th Congress are also questionable.

What is Tibet 1949 register cover with 1948 Gandhi stamps without stamps from Tibet?

How about early usage of 1948 Gandhi stamps ?

Lot of questionable postmark cancellation from certain post office on FDC, USED covers and Register covers and most forgery are happening in 1948 used covers. (This might be done after buying some used cover with receiving CDS on back, apply gandhi stamp and fake or stolen postmark cancellation and you can get used covers. USED covers chances of forgery/FAKE is very very high.!!)

Also I am not sure 100% but there are chances that original special cancellation might be around with someone which might be used on FDC or private FDC .!! (If 1969 India Gandhi color trials is available then this is also possible.!!)


3) Some questionable 1949 Special Cancellation (blue/black rubber stamp) "Sabko Samati De Bhagavan" on First Anniversary of Gandhi's death.(30-1-1949) is available.


4) 1951 - Postcards from India.

I see some questionable post office postmark cancellation and make it is used postcard with October 2nd, 1951 date.

5) 1961 - Gandhi USA issue.

Don't see any problem.!!!

6) 1968 -1971  Gandhi's 100th Birth Anniversary issue.

Where are other Panama Gandhi stamps?  what happen ? No officially FDC from Panama  and we can see one.!! Even used covers have some questionable postmark cancellation if you compare with other 1971 postmark cancellation.

OVERPRINT stamp issue from Cameroun. Does not make sense at all someone printing on stamp by mistake. This is delibrate act.

Same is the case with Nicragua Overprint Gandhi stamp with Einstein & TOGO overprint Gandhi stamps.

Also 1979 - 1980 wrong year printing with UNICEF, Olympics, Einstein , TajMahal. Are Stamp designer, proof reader and other people in postal department of that countries are that DUMB..!! Also FAKE FDC with Miniature sheet are available.

Special Cancellation from Burma, Czeckoslovakia, Fiji, Luxembourg were issued. Not sure whether they were really issued or FAKE from start(same way like 2009 Germany Gandhi Cancellation.!!). Lot of Forgery in this special cancellation available in market.

Why lot of Register cover from Mauritius in 1969? Also 2009 covers looks alike 1969 with FAKE address. Nothing change in 40 years on the cover including cancellation, type of cover, register stamp and even hand writing.?

Also not all countries issued FDC of stamps so you will see private FDC specially from Greece and  USSR (Russia). So Beware about this. Not sure whether this are really cancelled in 1969 or afterwards.!!

Fake1969 SPECIMEN postcard is available.?.

Even FAKE Error stamps. (Color faded with sunlight or other chemicals.!!!)

Why to many Miniature sheet of Gandhi with MLK, John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy from smaller African countries. Don't think 1969 Africa needs that many stamps and that kind of printing machinery to print that kind of stuff.?

All small countries outsource to there printing stamps to dealer who in turn will print stamps for that countries and rest they can sell all over the world with different overprint, errors etc.!!

7) 1972 - 1997.

Why Sao Tome e Principe 1987 Gandhi stamp with Picasso, Red cross, UN and other leaders are selling at very high price. ?

Why Sri Lanka stamp price has so much difference on ebay?

Fake 1994 Nicaragua FDC of Gandhi movie with other cinema directors/actors etc to celebrate 100 years of Cinema.

8) 1998 - 1999 50th Death Anniversary

Afghanistan stamp in 1999 ? Taliban rule at that time. No country except Pakistan and Saudi Arabia accepted them so who was accepting their postal mail.!!

More than 15 Countries issued stamps during this time. But to me all from African & South American stamp sheet (Grenada, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone etc.) is nothing but to make money. Also FDC of this stamps sheets looks like FAKE.

9) 2000 - till now

SCAM got a mega boost from Internet, scammer got more creative by multiple accounts from different countries and increase their scamming activities by SHILL bidding on stamps and philately materials. Also they started to inflating price (FAKE bidders, don't pay and avoid you from getting it.!!) which no one has heard this before. Because of ebay and delcampe there is lot of shill bidding on ebay, some times price are very high, some time very bad quality of material is sold by collector to upcoming new collector.

This scammer are very creative by not only creative fake accounts on ebay and delcampe from different countries such as China, Croatia, Netherlands, Australia, NewZealand, Isarel etc  but also creating FAKE  facebook accounts, writing comments on Blogs and philately Newsletters with FAKE name and lot more things we never heard of to defend themselves.!!! Is it not Amazing !!

Why 2009 FAKE Germany Special Cancellation on October 2nd.? (This makes all 1969 special cancellation questionable!!, because who knows what have happen in 1969.!!). Also don't know upto what stage collector goes to take benefit. !!

Why we are seeing lot of 2011 Indipex sheet with Gandhi theme from different countries like Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Vanutu , Micronesia etc even though it has nothing to do with Gandhi.!!

What are 2011 FFC with United Nations Gandhi stamps and other Airbus 380 FFC.? (This makes me nervous to buy 1969 -1974 FFC from Syria, Iran, Chile, Germany travelled through First Flight of Lufthansa airlines.!!)

How come 1969 India Color Trial available now!!.? (This should be Indian Government Property and should not be on sale in private auction.!! What a STEAL.!!)

Same is the case with 1969 Germany Muster(Specimen) stamp and photographic proof (just take picture from book and reprint it as photo, make it as proof).

Lot of Gandhi stamps are available from smaller  countries which is nothing but to make money from piece of paper. To me it looks like not only stamp dealer but also offical from some smaller countries are involved in printing this huge quantity stamps with different popular theme.

Please read on MSNBC for  stamp SCAM on Net.
Is eBay stamp racket the Net's stickiest scam?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17171372/ns/technology_and_science-security/t/ebay-stamp-racket-nets-stickiest-scam/#.TrAarJux2uI

After reading above article from MSNBC do you think you are also victim of SCAM in GANDHI Stamps and Philatelic material.  Also go through my blog posts on this blog and look for ebay id for  possible scammers.!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5059207_spot-stamp-collection-scam.html

I am not sure about your opinion but my opinion is YES, It's a big SCAM, and we are being tricked and some group of ebay/delcampe dealer or even collectors  are making profit on us!!

Click following URL and read how stamps are ALTERED. And now think how this will affects in Gandhi Collection.

http://www.sheryll.net/Forgeries/AlteredUS/Forgeries_article_AlteredUS.htm

After reading above screenshot and URL think what are chances that this might happen in GANDHI philately specially in BOYCOTT Label, 1948 used covers, 1968-1971 stamps and covers etc.

Now please think what I have written in this blog post  and think more deeper into this subject  by reading my 100+ blog post and then you make own your judgement by putting all pieces together  and you will find it a  big SCAM in Gandhi Stamps and Philatelic materials.

One more thing to think is how easy is to make a RUBBER stamp.!!! 

Higher the price more FAKE or SCAM it is.!!!

If something in blog post don't make sense or want to add more into this then you all are welcome.

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

Cameroun Gandhi Stamps : Cameroon Overprint Gandhi, Kennedy and Martin Luther King error stamps and miniature sheet - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part 13

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

After looking Cameroun overprint stamps and Miniature sheets, I think Cameroun Stamp Printer or Stamp Quality Assurance (QA)  department organisation people are DUMB?

I am not sure how they can overprint by mistake on large quantity even without thinking what they are doing. In 1969 they printed space theme of Moon Landing on 1968 Gandhi, Kennedy and MLK stamps and miniature sheets.

After researching more about this and thinking more about this  I came to conclusion that they are super SMART and we all who have this overprint stamps and minisature sheets are DUMB!!! They did it to make money and they succeed.!!! Also in 1968  they know what is going to sell (MLK, Kennedy's and Gandhi)  and in 1969 it was all about space. They combined this together with overprint and made one of kind error stamp So they are super smart.!!!

And right now out of all stamps in that overprint only Gandhi theme is famous and we all are being cheated.!!

Think Why you don't see  overprint error stamps from USA!!

Today Cameroun stamps and sheets were sold for very high price and I am not sure what this buyer (if real) then he will do with this piece of paper. I guess he will also keep it like me.!!

Buyers are : martind8751 & spark-500 (canada)
Seller : ctx23 (Germany).

Also price of Gandhi stamps and sheets should not be too much because there is enough for everyone. If you think as investment than negative return is guarntee if you paid high price because Gandhi stamps is very highly inflated and also there are lot of other expense in selling, so BEWARE of this.

Also value of MNH Gandhi stamps is not appreciating in value and also it don't have any value in exhibition, so beware.!! Also this kind of intensely overprint stamp is nothing but garbage  which you keep it very safe.!!!

So now think who is Smart and who is Dumb.!!

All overprints stamps from Cameroun, Togo, Nicragua and whatever else are there to just make money by making us it's error. Click following blog post to read more about this.

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2010/01/overprint-gandhi-stamps.html

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)