Mauritius Stamps : Gandhi Miniature sheet price all time low.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

As I mentioned in my previous blog posts about Mauritius 1969 Gandhi USED covers are questionable.

On November 5th, 2011 Mauritius, 1969 Gandhi stamp sheet with 6 Gandhi stamps was sold for only 1 Euro.!!!

Can't beleive it after 40+ years it's value is not appreciating at all. Very nice stamp sheet with 6 Gandhi stamps which display his various life stages photographs of Mahatma Gandhi. According to me this is one of the best sheet of Mahatma Gandhi with excellent design on all sides of margin.

Price sold : 99 cents (under $1).

I think because of sheer quantity of this sheet the price is not appreciating at all.

I am now feel ashamed to telling me what price I paid for this stamp sheet from CANADA ebay seller.!!!  So beware when you see CANADA ebay seller selling Gandhi Stamps. THINK TWICE. Want to know what price I paid then let me know. You will be amazed and surprised.

One of the reason I paid heavy price was because no were to see what's going on in Gandhi Stamps and Philatelic material and that's the reason I am writing this blog post so new collectors knows the pricing, trends and amazing things in Gandhi Stamps collection,  so new collectors will not feel ashame  to share with other Philatelists about pricing.!!

Want to learn more about 1948 India Gandhi stamps then click following link to read my previous blog posts.

1) Is GANDHI stamp collection hobby a SCAM?

2) 1948 Stamps False hope of Riches?

3) 1948 Gandhi Stamps: Are False hope of Riches - Part II ?

4) 1948 Gandhi Mourning Private FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part III?

5) 1948 Expensive Gandhi FDC : Are False hope of Riches - Part IV?

6) 1948 Gandhi Stamps Early Usage cover :  Gandhi Stamps Are False hope of Riches - Part V?

7) Indian Philately EXPOSED ?

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

FAKE Nicaragua 100 Years of Cinema FDC with Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin and other Movie director/producer/authors/stars stamps issued during 100 Años del Cine

This blog is dedicated to my philatelic friend who is one of the renowned Nicaraguan Philatelist Dr. Jean-Michel (Professor Jean) who had helped me to find more information about Nicaragua 100 Years of Movies FDC with miniature stamp sheet issued in 1995.(On stamp it is mentioned as "Correos 1994")

As I was not satisfied with information available about Nicaragua stamp sheet on Gandhi resources on Internet as well as in philately handbook about this 100 years of Movie stamp sheet FDC so I decide to email (Call a Friend option!!) Dr. Jean-Michel and it did not took  him  long time to send me accurate info about this stamp sheet which will not only help to Gandhi Collectors but also all other collectors that what are possibilities in stamp collection or Philately.!!

100 Years of Cinema: (1895 - 1995)

The Frenchman Louis Lumiere is often credited as inventing the first motion picture camera in 1895. But in truth, several others had made similar inventions around the same time as Lumiere. What Lumiere invented was a portable motion-picture camera, film processing unit and projector called the Cinematographe, three functions covered in one invention.

The Cinematographe made motion pictures very popular, and it could be better be said that Lumiere's invention began the motion picture era. In 1895, Lumiere and his brother were the first to present projected, moving, photographic, pictures to a paying audience of more that one person.

http://www.earlycinema.com/timeline/index.html

So to celebrate this Nicaragua issued miniature sheet with stamps of 12 famous movie stars/authors/producer/directors to celebrate (1895 - 1995) 100 Años del Cine.

In this stamp sheet there is a stamp about Gandhi Movie by Richard Attenborough. 

Other stamps are Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, David Lean, Sergio Eisenstein, Fritz Lang- Metropolis,  Cecil B. Demille,  Micheal Curtiz, Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick and Jean Renoir.

On each stamp it is mentioned year 1994 but actually it was issued in 1995. In Scott Catalogue this stamp sheet issue date is mentioned as 14 November 1994, but actual date is 22-Feb, 1995.

Now following are 2 different FDC of this stamp sheet. One is 1994 and other is 1995.!!! and one is FAKE.!!  It looks like a person just look at Scott catalogue and made a cancel with that dates.!!

FAKE 1994 FDC 

Genuine 1995 FDC

Following Nicaragua FDC were issued in 1994, you will see that all of them has "Correos de Nicaragua". Now compare this with above 1994 FDC and this is missing.!!! 

 Also look at the all covers and cancellation and you will see  different uniqueness Cachet & Special Cancellation related to each stamps on each cover related to the stamps. (Not just rubber stamp on plain cover.!!)

Currently this FDC is selling for $25 !!   It's easy to make rubber stamp so just buy stamp sheet under $10 and make FDC.!!

This will  not even consider as a private FDC because stamp sheet was not actually issued on this date.!! It was taken from false source which was never corrected in that sources and creator of this FAKE FDC thought this is the correct date and made rubber stamp with this date!!!!!!!

I found non Gandhi philatelic material resource on Internet which also indicates it was indeed issued in 1995.  To read more about this stamps and cancellation please cick following link about American Cinema.

http://www.oocities.org/maximaphilyusa/cinema.htm

http://www.oocities.org/maximaphilyusa/cinema.htm 

http://www.oocities.org/maximaphilyusa/cinema.htm 

After reading above blog post don't you think similar pattern for making FDC or Max Card in Gandhi Philately.!! (It's a whole new topical Philately !! FAKE Gandhi thematic collection.!!)

Don't you think that is there any Genuine GANDHI philatelic material ever issued.!!! Most of the Gandhi stamps were issued in 1969 and during that time there were very less collectors so it is not enough for current needs of collectors.

Also I think because of recent popularity of Gandhi stamps there is a huge demand of it  so dealers and resellers (even printers) are trying to take benefit by issuing FAKE and Forgery material of some never issued stamps, FDC or Used Covers including Register Covers so Beware before you enter in to Gandhi Philately 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 ?

But now you know my 15 steps to make money on internet.!! and following four blog post will make you expert in making money.!!

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/india-1948-commercial-used-cover-how-to.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/king-george-stamps-post-card-kgv-stamps.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/rarities-india-1854-stamp-queen.html

Straits Settlements stamps B/172 India stamps - Do you really think it's worth $34,500.!!?

So now what do you think CAN YOU MAKE MONEY ?

Is it hobby with investment or scam in mind? !! Think before you buy any Gandhi Philately Material as it is very easy to make rubber stamp.!!! 

This is how stamp printers and stamp dealers prosper!!

Thanks again Dr. Jean-Michel for your valuable time to nail this FAKE FDC.

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club

Gandhi Khadi Stamp FDC : I don't think this are rare F.D.C even though it's a private fdc

12/14/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

You already know that there was no official FDC issued by Indian Postal Service with Gandhi Khadi stamp sheet (1,00,000 stamp sheets were printed) issued in February 2011 during Indipex Stamp Exhibition.

But I can see lot of different varities of privately made F.D.C with Gandhi Khadi Stamp sheet or just khadi stamp of 100 Rupees ($2 only).

Following is screenshot from ebay and none of the FDC were sold in last 15 days.!!!

I am not sure why it is not selling, but my guess is it is private fdc and price is too high or dealers are not interested to buy it and resell it or collectors knows that this will be available all the time as lot of collectors and  dealers made private FDC (my guess will be more than 5000!!)during Indipex Exhibition anticipating that value will go high and there will huge appreciation by investing 250 Rupees ($5-6).!!

If you want to know more about Gandhi Khadi 2011 stamps then please read following blog posts.

1) Gandhi Khadi 2011 sold under face value

2) Unbelivable Price of  Gandhi Khadi 2011 MS + folder.

3) What is right price of 2011 Gandhi Khadi stamp + presentation folder.

Do you think 2011 Gandhi Khadi stamp sheet FDC will appreciate after 40+ years.?

Or it will have same appreciation like we see today in Ireland or Hungary 1969 Gandhi stamp FDC!!! which are selling under $1 even after 40+ years

Read my following blog post and you will also start believing that it's Dying if you still believe it's Paying hobby.!!

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 after looking above blog posts?

I Don't think so.!!

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club

Grenada Gandhi Stamps : Which Gandhi Stamps you need to avoid.?

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Grenada is an island country consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  

It is 203rd in world by size of  344 square kilometres (133 sq mi), with an estimated population of 110,000. Its capital is St. George's. 

In 1969 Grenada issued four color full Gandhi Stamps of 6 cents,15 cents, 25 cents and 1$ (East Caribbean dollar) in a miniature sheet. I think (not sure) this stamps are still valid as currency was never revalued or discontinued. 

This stamps and miniature sheet is widely available under $2. (US dollar).

In 1986, Grenada issued another Gandhi stamp along with MLK stamps to celebrate Disarmament week and International Year of Peace.

This stamp is also available under $2.!!

In 1998 Gandhi Miniature Sheets were issued. Don't know why this many stamps sheet from such a small country.

FDC of above miniature sheet are also available on internet public auction sites which are questionable. Needs to do more research before you buy it. To me it don't look like officially used FDC.

As miniature sheet having 4 Gandhi stamps did not fit on envelope so they affix it inverted.!!!

To me it looks that 1998 miniature sheet were just issued to make money like other Gandhi material available to collectors as popularity in Gandhi thematic collection increased after 1990 and printers and dealers never missed this chance.!!

This stamp sheet are available somewhere between 10-12$, but I don't think it will increasevalue of your collection. So now it's upto you what you need to do.


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

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 

Venezuela Gandhi Stamps : One of the best Gandhi stamps printed.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Venezuela issued Mahatma Gandhi stamp in 1972 and also miniature sheet to celebrate 50th Anniversary of  Independence of India in  1997 which has stamps of Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore and other achievements of India. I think 1997 miniature sheet is one of the best miniature sheet. 

1972

Also 1972 stamp is also one of the best designed stamp of Mahatma Gandhi.

Both of this stamps are discontinued because of currency devaluation.!!

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959.

Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

1997

We have seen lot of foreign stamps of Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Prize winner) & Jawaharlal Nehru, but I think this is the first stamp of Sardar Patel from foreign country.!! 

Vallabhbhai (Sardar) Patel was an Indian barrister and statesman, one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress and one of the founding fathers of India. He is known to be a social leader of India who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation.Therefore he is also regarded as "Bismark of India". He was known as the "Iron Man of India". In India and across the world, he was often addressed as Sardar which means Chief in many languages of India.

Read more about Sardar Patel at Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallabhbhai_Patel

1972 stamp is available under $1 and Miniature sheet is available somewhere around $10.

According to me you will not get cheated from issuing country seller as they have vast resource to get stamps and also they make money by turnaround of different stamps of their country.

Do you think Venezuela Gandhi stamps are one of the best Gandhi Stamps ever printed.?

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

I hope this will help future collectors whether they really want to start collecting GANDHI stamps and philately.!!

Some useful blog post which might help you to protect yourself from this gruesome philately world.!!

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?

Please share your thoughts about this classic advance technology usage and visionary thinking in 1911 First Aerial Mail as well as our Gandhi Philatelic collection.!! (No email please.!! so everyone gets knowledge about philatelic.!!)

Thanks

Gandhi Stamps Club

Shill Bidding on Gandhi Stamps

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.

My 100th blog post.

Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

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.

Central African Republic Gandhi stamps with other Human Rights and Nobel Prize winner Dalai Lama stamp, Martin Luther stamp, JFK stamp, Mother Teresa Stamp and Nelson Mandela stamps. Do you think stamps are for investment ??

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

The Central African Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It borders Chad in the north, Sudan in the north east, South Sudan in the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo in the south, and Cameroon in the west.  Bangui is the capital city. (Source: Wikipedia)

In 1997 Central Africa honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing his stamp with other Human Rights leaders and Nobel Prize winners  MLK,  Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and JFK.

This sheet with all this leaders were only sold for 4 euros ($5.50). It's not amazing to see such a low price for this sheet even after almost 15 years.

So all new collectors please make sure about this pricing before you bid in future. This is for all stamps in the sheet not just Gandhi.!!

So don't think stamps are for Investment.!! like gold, stocks or house.!! All articles in newspaper and magazine will try to market stamps as one of the option for investment, but think how many people want this stamps  compare to other kind of stock or gold.!! 

So make sure you don't pay too much price for this kind of sheets or individual stamps of Gandhi or other leaders Nelson Mandela stamp, Dalai lama stamps,  Mother Teresa stamps.

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 ?

But now you know my 15 steps to make money on internet.!! and following four blog post will make you expert in making money.!!

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/india-1948-commercial-used-cover-how-to.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/king-george-stamps-post-card-kgv-stamps.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/rarities-india-1854-stamp-queen.html

Straits Settlements stamps B/172 India stamps - Do you really think it's worth $34,500.!!?

So now what do you think HOW LOW IT WILL GO?

There might be no buyer so it May be go as low as $0.!!

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club

Guyana Gandhi Stamps : Guyana 1995 "Holidays of the World" stamp sheet of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas , Hanukkah , Easter , Carnival in Brazil, Bastille Day , Independence Day in India and St. Patrick's Day

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Today is Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all readers.

Thanksgiving in North America originated from a mix of European and Native traditions. In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition traces its origins to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts. 

The initial Thanksgiving observance at Virginia in 1619 was prompted by the colonists' leaders on the anniversary of the settlement. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest.

Initially, the Plymouth colony did not have enough food to feed half of the 102 colonists. The Wampanoag Native Americans helped the Pilgrims by providing seeds and teaching them to fish. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s.

Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. It was not until December 26, 1941 that the unified date changed to the fourth Thursday in November—this time by federal legislation making Thanksgiving a national holiday. (Read more about Thanksgiving at Wikipedia)

In 1995 Guyana had issued a sheetlet of eight stamps as a philatelic tribute to some of the world's most popular holidays around the world. Following are holiday stamps depicted this sheet.

Thanksgiving Day in the United States

Christmas in Germany

Hanukkah in Israel

Easter in Spain

Carnival in Brazil

Bastille Day in France

Independence Day in India

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland .

Mahatma Gandhi's picture in  Independence Day in India stamp in this miniature sheet. 

This sheet is available somewhere between 7-8$ as Guyana makes lot of money by selling surplus stamps to dealers around the world.

Do you think for holiday of India they should used Diwali instead of Independence Day when comparing with Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter etc. in this miniature sheet.?

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 ?

But now you know my 15 steps to make money on internet.!! and following four blog post will make you expert in making money.!!

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/india-1948-commercial-used-cover-how-to.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/king-george-stamps-post-card-kgv-stamps.html

http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com/2013/12/rarities-india-1854-stamp-queen.html

Straits Settlements stamps B/172 India stamps - Do you really think it's worth $34,500.!!?

So now what do you think CAN YOU MAKE MONEY ?

Following is brief description of other 7 holidays in miniature sheet.(Source : Wikipedia.)

Christmas is observed on December 25  to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. The exact birthday of Jesus is not known, and historians place his year of birth some time between 7 BC and 2 BC. Narratives of his birth are included in two of the Canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Bible.

Hanukkah also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.

Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to have occurred between AD 26 and 36.

Carnival of Brazil  is an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter. On certain days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians traditionally abstained from the consumption of meat and poultry, hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove meat." Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and resurrection.

Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France.

Independence Day of India is celebrated on the fifteenth of August to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The day is a national holiday in India. All over the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies are conducted by the local administration in attendance. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated within 6 months (30 January, 1948) after Independence of India, so he never enjoyed it.!!

Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.  Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has gradually become a secular celebration of Irish culture in general.

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

Amazing price of 1995 Mahatma Gandhi India Souvenir Sheet.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I read that one seller listed his book to sell on amazon.com for 23 million dollar!! This was for sale by private seller (same like ebay). Read more about this by clicking following link from PC Magazine.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2384102,00.asp

http://www.michaeleisen.org/blog/?p=358

I am seeing similiar pattern in Mahatma Gandhi stamp from India price selling on ebay, not because of any algorithm but by human brain.

Here they are looking for some NEW International buyer(as all Indian collector will know price about this) who is not aware of real price or current value of that Mahatma Gandhi stamp from India and seller thinks that some one will buy it by mistake.!! & then regert their whole life when it is selling for much lower value.!

In 1995 India & South Africa jointly issued Mahatma Gandhi Souvenir Sheet of Indian Rupees 8 which is equivalent to 20-30 cents. (Yes 0.20 US cents). This Souvenir sheet design shows simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi with all his belongings and his famous Dandi March picture. I also think India post issued very large quantity of this Souvenir Sheet so this is not rare.

Currently this stamp is sold between 4-7 dollars which is also on very high price(it's more than 500% ROI in 16 years) and if this rate is continue then it will surpass value of 1948 Gandhi stamps even though there are more Gandhi collectors and dealers in India than it was in 1948.

I think because of low face value( 8 Indian Rupees or 20-30 cents) of this Souvenir Sheet, it was accumulated by certain group of people and because of them we are even paying 4-7 dollars. I don't think this will happen in 2011 Mahatma Gandhi Indipex Khadi Souvenir stamp sheet from India because of high face value of Rupees 250 (5-6$) so it will be hard for dealer to keep high priced item.

But I was more suprised when I saw same sheet selling price is $26. !!! All credit to goes to seller "rajsukhani" for making this possible for stamp of India.




Yes it is $26 + $5.50 = $31.50!!

Also if you see this listing description of the stamp is also incorrect. It is 1992 instead of 1995.

If this souvenir sheet is used with some special postcard or unique used cover to embassy or redcross or united nations etc. than price of $26 or more is justified but this is just stamp sheet which is only 16 years old.!!I would rather pay $20 for Mauritius Register cover (if it is GENUINE) with 6 stamps on it than buying this souvenir sheet as there is lot of work to make that used cover.

But in this case it is just large quantity printed souvenir sheet and seller wants to get profit without doing any work to make cover or postcard etc.

Another example of 1995 SS when it was UNSOLD for 22.22$.


I am not sure whether stamp sellers/dealer thinks that stamp collectors are stupid.!! They just pray that someone will fall in their trap.

But this is seller choice how much they want to sell their item for so no offsense without any alograthim like Amazon book price. It's good that seller is giving option of Buy It Now only instead of auction and then starts increasing price with his/her other ebay id.(Shill Bidding).

But Gandhi Collectors, Do you think this souvenir sheet is worth $26?

It's 8500% return on investment. (0.30 cents invested in 1995 & today's current value $26)



In future we all might see something similar to that amazon book price and this sheet might be on sale for 26 million dollar.!! (if no listing fees is on ebay).

Thanks
KP.


BTW: Because of Low initial value (Rupees 8) some one can afford to buy a very huge quantity and can sell them at high price. I think Indian Goverment Post notice this and issued 2011 Indipex Mahatma Gandhi Souvenir sheet at very high value (Rupees 250) so it will be easily available to collectors and reduce profit margin for some dealers and reseller. Because of this high initial facevalue it will not appreciate same way like 1995 SS.


Update 12/27/11 :

2 sheets were sold for $3.75.!! (but still huge return compare to original price of  20-30 cents (0.30 dollar) with face value of Rupees 10 in 1995.

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 after looking above blog posts?

Thanks
Gandhi Stamps Club.