Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bhutan Gandhi Stamp Value - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately or Stamp Collections - Part-1

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently we got some comments on our blog and we notice that lot of collectors quit Gandhi Philately because they were trapped by some commonly available items at very high price or some FAKE items at high price.  So I decided let me write up about this.

Following will explain you why you will QUIT Stamp collecting or Gandhi Philatelic items.

In 1972 Bhutan issued Plastic stamp set of 6 famous people including Gandhi. It's price should be under $5. Also you can buy FDC with Gandhi Stamp for around 8-15$.

Look at following screen 2 screen shot and you will find out what a different way of selling. So again do your research before you buy. Don't just buy it otherwise you will also quit this hobby.!!

You can see One seller  (rajsukhani) is selling for $175 and other seller (philimpex)  is selling under $5.!! Look at shipping charges $6.50 and $2 also and also take a note of feedback of both seller. Rajsukhani has 1720 where as Philimpex is 8800+. I hope this will explain you.!!

OMG.!! what a difference in price.!!

Also look at the RETURN Policy of both seller.!! Rajsukhani don't want to accept return after selling at 175$ where as Philimpex will accept return after selling you at $5 (3500% lesser value than Rajsukhani).

So you decided from whom to buy in future, from which country to buy, from how many feedback seller you need to buy etc.If you keep this in mind then you will stay in stamp collecting hobby otherwise you will regret.

So think what if you had bought this for $175.!! You will quit this hobby soon and curse this hobby!!!




Click this link and  look for just 2 things (Seller Feedback, Seller Country ) and you should know from where and whom you should buy Gandhi Stamps or any Philately material.

So Think Think Think before you jump on any thing you buy it on ebay or delcampe. There are people who are waiting for you.!!

I think it is up to all fellow collectors to motivate new collectors by raising awareness about things going on in Philatelic world such as your experience, inflated prices, common stuff to look around etc. And now a days it's easy to spread your word by blogging it or by facebook page etc same way sellers are trying to cheat by creating multiple accounts and start increasing price of their items.

If you are cheated or feels cheated then spread the word so someone else can be saved. That's what I am doing it since last 2 years.!!

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)
Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

São Tomé and Príncipe Gandhi Stamp Value - Sao Tome and Principe Ghandi Stamp price - Sao Tome and Principe Gandhi Stamps value

Hello Gandhi Collectors,


São Tomé and Príncipe, officially the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, is a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. It consists of two islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometres (87 mi) apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres (155 and 140 mi), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. 

Both islands are part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. São Tomé, the sizable southern island, is situated just north of the equator. It was named in honour of Saint Thomas by Portuguese explorers who arrived at the island on his feast day.

With a population of 163,000 (2010), São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African country (the Seychelles being the smallest). It is the smallest country in the world in terms of population that is not a former British overseas territory, a former United States trusteeship, or one of the European microstates. It is also the smallest Portuguese-speaking country.


São Tomé and Príncipe honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamp of him along with India's Flag in a souvenir sheet with other great world leaders such as Washington, Lenin etc. in 1980 to celebrate 5th Anniversary of their Independence from Portugal.

This stamp was sold recently for $1.81 in auction as well as Fixed price. I think it's a correct value of stamp.


This stamp itself has another Gandhi (Gandhiji) Stamp of 25 paisa from India which is very commonly used and most recognized Gandhi stamp in India. This stamp is first Mahatma Gandhi Stamp from São Tomé and Príncipe but recently they are frequently issuing Gandhi stamps to make money which itself degrade value of their stamps so please know what are you buying.

Generally small countries will contract their stamp out in order to get free printed stamps for their use and contracter makes money by selling this stamps to us.!!! Check following links to see who is contracting for Sao Tome.

http://www.sao-tome-e-principe-official-stamps.com/




Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)
Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation

Monday, August 29, 2011

What a difference in 1948 Gandhi Stamp Value - Gandhi Stamps is really for Investment.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

To understand properly about this blog post please read my previous previous blog post written in May 2011 about "Nepal Indian Embassy Mahatma Gandhi 1948 Cover (FDC) with 1.5 Anna Gandhi stamp". In this blog post you can see there were 12-13 buyers out of which I question 50% buyer ebay id !!!



Last week on ebay buyer "e***p (559)" aka "Speedbird1*"  won  Nepal Indian Embassy Mahatma Gandhi 1948 Cover for just $37. !!

Don't know why buyer paid $37 for this.!!

Incredible price compare to previous auction.!! One of the lowest I have ever seen in last 3 years.

What a Great value compare to previous auction in April 2011 and what a loss on Investment by "srm2382" & "adianil".

Both this ebay bidders bought Nepal Gandhi Cover in April for whooping $155. Really feel sorry for them if  it is REAL deal.!!!!!

It's like 400% loss on investment.!! in just 4 months.  For me it's 200% loss as I bought it for $80!!. If I have buy it now I will not buy this at all. It's piece of ......!!!

I am not sure that at $37  is also a good value for this cover!!

But's it's buyer choice to pay even after my blog post so now I am more curious whether they got my information or something else.!!






Not sure why "e***p" (speedbird1*) started bidding since auction start and last seconds bidding by  "t***8 (2098)", "s***v  (581)" and "t***6 (176)".

Also not sure whether my previous blog helps this bidders or not.

Do you think this 1948 FDC or cover is for investment.?

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
My special Cancellation





Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)
Date : 08/29/2011
Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation





Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Special Cancellation issued on 50th Anniversary of USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Sorry for writing late on this 50th Anniversary Special Cancellation because I have to scan this. (as I can't get screen shot from EBay)!!

As all of you know that I write my opinion and investigation about Fake Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi issued by different countries as well as regular post office cancellation on Mahatma Gandhi Philately material.

 And as I  THINK DIFFERENT (look my other Think Different Cover) then others so I thought why not have a Genuine Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi from USA and I worked on it to make it possible.

Don't try to criticize (same way like my previous Think Different Cover) that stamps on it are not straight,  extra postage, rectangle cancel instead of fancy or circular, it has multiple cancellation by machine,  hand postmark cancel & special cancellation, too big cancellation, no respect for Mahatma Gandhi by cancelling on face etc. Only thing is to make sure that Cancellation is Genuine and Officially issued by USPS as per their rules and regulation.

USA was 2nd country in world to issue Mahatma Gandhi stamp after India. On January 26th 1961 USA issued 120 million 4 cents stamp and 40 million 8 cents honoring Mahatma Gandhi with other Champions of Liberty series stamps.

On January 26th 2011, it was 50th Anniversary of USA Gandhi Stamp. So I decided to honored Mahatma Gandhi 50th Anniversary of USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp by issuing Pictorial Cancellation. I worked with USPS Fremont, CA and make this possible.


I take FULL RESPONSIBILITY and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC of this special cancellation so collectors don't need to waste time in investigation whether this is Genuine or Fake or possible forgery like I and Maulik have to weed out that from Germany, Nepal, Burma, Fiji, Czech Republic, Luxembourg etc.

It is mailed to my address by Certified mail. Also this special pictorial cancellation was designed by me and  issued(made) Officially by USPS, Fremont, CA.  



I have all paper work and email communications with USPS post office.

This Special cancellation is rectangle shape (as per USPS guidelines and rules) which has
1) Picture of Medal of Mahatma Gandhi taken from USA Gandhi Stamp.
2) Description "Celebrating 50th Anniversary USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp 1961-2011"
3) Station Name: Mahatma Gandhi Station
4) Date and Place of Issue : January 26, 2011, Fremont,CA 94539
5) Mahatma Gandhi Quotes :" Be the change that you want to see in the world"

Very limited quantity  cover were made by me with this special cancellation on 26th January 2011(Very Rare than 10 Rupees Gandhi Service Stamp!!!!)  and  I will be mailing this cover to my philatelic friends so please write a comment when you received this cover.

This special cancellation covered were mailed from 2 different post office from Fremont. (94539 & 94537). You can see this on Certified label. And one of them has machine cancellation also from Oakland, CA with date Jan 26 and time PM. Only 2 certified covers were mailed and other cover were regularly postal stream mailed (cost cutting & don't need to prove that it was officially stamped because I am taking Full responsibility) and some of them were just stamped with special cancellation without postal stream so it will remain clean without any barcode and also remain in good condition.


It is lot of work to make this Officially USPS special cancellation cover as it requires
1) To design special cancellation as per USPS guidelines, standard, rules and regulations. (lot of requirements)
2) Submit USPS  Application for Special Cancellation 10 weeks in advance.!!
3) Work and Followup for approval and pay certain fees if applicable.
4) Design Cover and Print it  (this is too much work too!!)
5) Affix stamp (specially old gummed one!!)
6) Getting Special Cancellation
7) Get hand postmark cancel of post office of same date.
8)  Wait to get in mail to see how it looks an d be happy or regret of sending in a mail.!!
9) Enjoy and be proud that you did it.

Now I wonder why collectors/dealers comes out with all kind of FAKE items. It is lot of work for Genuine work.

This experience helps me to find different FAKE FFC with special cancellation because of all standard requirement by USPS to make special cancellation.

But making this as per rules and regulation and by using right address I don't have to use Fake mailing addresses, Fake identity on ebay to sell or need help of philately friends to sell this covers and try to hide it. When I was little I was taught that one lie will make you speak other lie and eventually you will get caught.!!



If you have any questions, concerns, suggestion, advice and/or criticism then please write your comments  in this blog post  or use Contact US form on top or  you can write me email.


Want to see more of this kind of my creation then click following links.

Martin Luther Memorial  Dedication Cover in Washington DC. (coming soon)


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

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.



Read my previous blog post about 50th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Stamp.
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/03/50th-anniversary-of-usa-mahatma-gandhi.html

Monday, August 22, 2011

Gandhi Stamp Value - Gandhi FDC Value - Price of Gandhi Stamps - Malta

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969 Malta honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamp of him. This is also one of the best designed stamp issued in 1969.



Malta officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km east of Tunisia, with the Strait of Gibraltar 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria 1,510 km to the east.


What amazed me is that after 42 years this stamp price is not appreciating at all. If you see my following screenshot you will get idea what is the current selling price of Gandhi Stamp from Malta.

Stamp was NOT even sold for $0.41(41 cents).!!! That's amazing. It indicates me that there is enough for everyone.!!

Even FDC was sold for very low price. It was sold for  $1, $3 and $4. If you see FDC has very good cachet of India flag, final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi "Raj Ghat" & Map of Malta and where as other has flag of India and Gandhi face on cachet.







Not sure why such a low value of Mahatma Gandhi Philatelic items.!! Looks like Gandhi Stamp is not for investment at all.

So again buyer please do necessary research before buying in bidding war with some shill bidder who is trying to increase value of it's collection or increasing value of their own selling item or helping their friends to increase selling price.

Want to see some amazing price going on Malta Gandhi Stamp/FDC then click following link and see yourself how you will get trap in some auction that starts at INITIAL HIGH  PRICE.

http://delcampe.net/list.php?language=E&searchString=malta+gandhi+&cat=0&searchMode=all&searchTldCountry=net&searchInDescription=N&sort=price_present_DESC&page=1&useAsDefault=N

You need to think this also before you buy.  You can see which sellers are trying to make money from you and try to avoid buying at high price from them. You will find it cheaper when time comes for you or just don't need everything.!!

In above link you can also see Malta stamps are selling from 07-30 cents!!!

Update on 12/15/2011:-

Check out price of Malta Gandhi FDC sold recently. Also see unsold 20 stamp block of Malta Gandhi stamp.!!


Do you think Gandhi stamps is really for investment.

New collector please make sure before about pricing before you start collecting so you don't regret.


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

Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Egypt Gandhi Stamp Value - Gandhi FDC Value - Price of Gandhi Stamps - Egypt (UAR)


Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969 Egypt [United Arab Republic (UAR)] issued Mahatma Gandhi (Ghandi) stamp to celebrate 100th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Ghandi). 


The United Arab Republic  often abbreviated as the U.A.R., was a sovereign union between Egypt and Syria. The union began in 1958 and existed until 1961, when Syria seceded from the union. Egypt continued to be known officially as the "United Arab Republic" until 1971. The President was Gamal Abdel Nasser. During most of its existence (1958–1961) it was a member of the United Arab States, a confederation with North Yemen.
Stamp is one of the best designed, which  also has Emblem of India and UAR. One thing you will notice is that the spelling of last name. It is "Ghandi" instead of "Gandhi" !! 





This stamp was sold for only $0.60 (60 cents). All new collectors need to notice this before buying this stamp or any other stamps or FDC other wise you are in big trouble if you don't do your research about pricing as well as who is seller, seller feedback etc.

Looks like this is genuine transaction because Seller has 9600+ feedback,  2 different bidder and 2 bid in this auction which indicates that  no Shill bidding happens to increase price.

I hope this kind of material will help to new collector.

Even FDC don't appreciate too much. $1.58 only after 42+ years. Is it not amazing.!!.



Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.



Sunday, August 14, 2011

Gandhi Stamp Value - Price of Gandhi Stamps - San Marino

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

I am creating a pricelist of recently sold Gandhi stamp so new collectors will be aware of this.



In 1997 San Marino issued Mahatma Gandhi stamp of 500 lire (25.82 cent in 2000).

Recently this stamp with right margin was sold for 50 cents. Also the seller "aortz" looks very genuine because of 12000+ feedback so no cheating like shill bidding happens in this selling.


Now when buying this stamp please keep this price in mind.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

Read more about San Marino (Source Wikipedia)

San Marino, officially the Republic of San Marino is a country situated on the Italian peninsula on the eastern side of the Apennine Mountains. It is an enclave surrounded by Italy. Its size is just over 61 km2 (24 sq mi) with an estimated population of over 30,000. Its capital is the City of San Marino. San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the Council of Europe.


San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Rab.

The constitution of San Marino, enacted in 1600, is the world's oldest constitution still in effect.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Gandhi Khadi Indipex 2011 Miniature Sheet + Presentation folder - Gandhi Stamp Value


Hello Gandhi Collectors,

I am surprised by current selling price of Gandhi Khadi Indipex 2011 Miniature Sheet + Presentation folder. On ebay India it sold for 270 Rupees.!!! (less than $6!!). 

This is unbelievable as face value of this Miniature Sheet + Presentation folder is 250 Rupees.!! According to me seller is loosing money on following transaction as he/she has to pay for ebay fees + Paisa Pay fees etc.





Following screen shot will show you what is the selling price of Gandhi Khadi Indipex 2011 MS + Presentation Pack which is also selling as high value ODD Gandhi Stamp on piece of cloth with very very RARE.only 10000 printed but actually it is 100000 printed.!! So it is enough for everyone's needs whether it is for Gandhi Collectors or Odd shaped stamp Collectors or cloth stamp collectors.

If you see  there is no buyer at price of 290 Rupees!! I think someone bought this MS + folder for quick profit but it does not work. Some of the buyer might regret investing in this RARE Miniature Sheet.!!



So now you have to decided what is right price of this MS + Presentation Folder.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

Another blog post about  Gandhi Indipex.MS + folder.
1) Gandhi and Indipex
2) Right Price of Gandhi Indipex MS + Presentation Folder.
3) Unbelievable Price of Gandhi Indipex Miniature Sheet and Presentation Pack.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Believe IT or NOT price of India 1948 Mahatma Gandhi FDC is unbelievable.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Looks like Gandhi Philately is not affected by this current economy issue going in India, USA and all over the world. It's amazing to see this kind of money still exist in philately.

3 FDC with all 1948 Gandhi 4 stamps (including 10 rupees Gandhi) were sold for $4800, $3100 and $2827.!! Another FDC with only 3 1948 Gandhi stamps (no 10 Rupees Gandhi stamp) which is opened by "Egypt Censor" was sold for $1558. Is it not amazing price.!!!

DON'T USE THIS BLOG POST AS PRICING REFERENCE BECAUSE SOME OF THE FDC SOLD IS VERY VERY HIGH PRICED. !!!

I think this is good for Indian & Americian Government as they will get Sales Tax, VAT and other taxes such as income tax etc  when this kind of huge sale/purchase occurs in which a buyer paid $12000  (almost 550000 Rupees)  for this 4 covers.!!

What a Return On Investment.!!  Only 40 Rupees invested in 1948 is getting 550000 Rupees.!!!

All this taxes collected (if paid by seller or buyer!!) will help people in India or where ever this transaction is applied.  Out of 4 items 2 were items were located in USA in  New York  and Illinois State and 2 items were located in Ahmedabad and Nadiad in Gujarat State in India so both this countries  will be benefited by getting VAT and  Income/Federal/State tax etc.

Following screen shot is for reference purpose so future collectors as well as everyone else including tax collecting agency.!!

All 4 covers are bought by "hitlerandgandhi" id on ebay from 4 different seller.

      Item #          Date                  Amount        Description                                            Buyer        Seller


Do you think this price is Unbelievable!!!

Also found out that "hitlerandgandhi" bought 2 more FDC for 2100$ & 1025$.





So total 6 FDC for $15000  which 7,00,000 Indian  Rupees.!!.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It's back again. FAKE Winnenden Germany 2009 Gandhi Special Postmark for sale made to protest against Massacre in High School.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

I am surprised that seller is trying to sell again FAKE Germany 2009 Gandhi Special Postmark even though I wrote  about this FAKE issue 18 months ago. No shame in making money.!!

Don't know up to what certain collectors and dealers can use Mahatma Gandhi's name and Principle of Non-Violence to make money.

This rubber stamp (FAKE pictorial postmark) was made by probably known or unknown Individual in Germany(not German post office or philatelic club)  as a protest against the massacre which took place on 11th March 2009 in Winnenden High School  in which 16 students and teachers were killed. 


I think this is INSULT to all innocent people who died in this incident. (Click this link to read more about this incident.)


If you live  in Winneden then please do more research on this FAKE pictorial postmark and stop this kind of activity.  Don't know why  maker  of this rubber stamp choose October 2nd instead of  March 11 date.!!

This FAKE used covers with rubber stamps were mailed in Winnenden and Schwaikheim, Germany which are only 4 km away. Check it out in map


I also got proof from German Post Office and also Winnenden stamp club President that this is FAKE after Bjorn's own investigation and followup for 3-4 months on this cancellation and even talked with one of the local senior philatelist about this cancellation.

I don't know what's seller is thinking about my research. Looks like he is thinking he can get away  this FAKE  cancellation and  make money by selling this kind of FAKE rubber stamps.?

Also don't know why they used State Emblem of India in this rubber stamps? Indian Government or Indian Embassy in Germany has nothing to do with this Incident but still they used India's Emblem.!! (Read my other blog post of Emblem of India)

Now you decide what other FAKE material is in Sellers bag.!!


Recently I noticed on ebay that there is one more postmark cancel by Germany on October 2nd 2009 on Gandhi's 140th birthday to celebrate United Nations International Non-Violence Day. Following is the postmark cancel.



I did some research on German Post website which is
http://www.deutschepost.de/dpag?xmlFile=828 & also I contacted them by email and got reply from them(email copy is attached). Also I contacted some local German Philatelist from whom I bought Gandhi related material and according to them they are not aware of this postmark cancellation.

This is amazing as GANDHI philately material is one of the most popular and searched on internet auction sites as well as in stamp shows noone has any idea about this postmark cancellation. How this is possible that no stamp collector/dealer from Germany has no idea.!!

My research indicates that following is authenticated philatelic material issued on October 2nd 2009.

1) United Nations:- $1 Gandhi stamp with FDC & Souvenir card
2) India :- 25 Rupees Gandhi stamp & FDC.
3) Croatia :- Gandhi Postmark Cancel.

So now my questions is what is this German GANDHI postmark cancellation?

Is it FAKE? (Read email from German Postal Service)

Unless I don't get sufficient proof I think it is.

If someone has any proof please let us know so we can update this.

Thanks
KP


I got 2 reply from different department of Deutschepost and as per them this are not postmark from German Postal Service. Read following emails and let me know if any question about email.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Premium-Service-Philatelie@deutschepost.de 
Date: Jan 22, 2010 4:47 AM
Subject: Your inquiry
To: kxxx@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Patel,

Thank you for your inquiry.
Deutsche Post AG did not issue any postmark from Ghandi`s birthday.



Kind regards
Jutta Frimberger
Premium Service Philatelie

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Philatelie
Franz-Zebisch-Str. 15
92637 Weiden

3632 Junior Assistent Premium
Tel.: 0180 3 245442



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sonder-Werbestempel@deutschepost.de 
Date: Feb 1, 2010 6:31 AM
Subject: AW: Gandhi postmark handstamp on October 2nd 2009 from Winnenden, Germany,
To: kxxx@gmail.com


Dear Mr. Patel,

Thank you for your require.

The postmark is not a postmark from the German Post. You can recognize this, because there are no posthorns on it.
I am sorry, the person who has created the postmark is unknown.

Kind regards

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Anna Girbert

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Philatelie
Stempelvertrieb
Franz-Zebisch-Str. 15
92637 Weiden
Tel: 0961 - 3818 3636
Fax: 01805 - 24 68 76
e-mail: Anna.Girbert@DeutschePost.de
e-mail: Sonder-Werbestempel@DeutschePost.de
Webseite: http://philatelie.deutschepost.de/philatelie/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also if you see there is no POSTHORNS on this cancel. This posthorns are small design on both sides around the name of the city on the cancel.

You can see this posthorns at following link on German postal service.


Following postmark cancel is genuine which has 2 posthorns on both sides of the name of city (Barnstorf) where as Gandhi postmark cancel that is missing(maker of this Gandhi postmark cancel did not notice this!!)




******** Also read about frogeries in German Postmark Cancel **********
While researching on this German Cancel I found very interesting material related to Germany postmark handstamp forgery.
It is very important to read before you buy any Gandhi related material from Germany including this as well as other FFC available from that country.


Following link will display more than 650 FAKE postmark handstamp. You can see by clicking following link and than choose the first alphabet of German city.