GANDHI Philately Study Circle

Germany Gandhi Imperforated Stamps : Do you think this Gandhi stamps card price is justified.?

2012-01-19T13:43:00.006-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Germany issued Gandhi stamps in 1969 both perf and imperf. It's very hard to find imperf used stamp. Following is one of a kind.

Do you think $199 is right price for this kind of postcard.? Looks like this postcard is Genuine, but when ever it's unique or rare and asking high price then you need to lots and lots of research.

Below writeup is nothing to do with above postcard, but it is good to know.

Now look at the following and you surprised what are possibility in Stamps Philatelic collection ?

http://www.filatelia.fi/forgeries/blum.html

Following are some FAKE postmarks of FRANKFURT.!!!!!!!

Want to read other Germany related blog posts then click following link.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/Germany

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Burma Gandhi Postmark / Cancellation

2012-01-15T07:20:00.006-05:00

Hello Gandhi Philatelists,

Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy new year 2012! May your collection grow manifold and you derive a greater sense of satisfaction from it!

Got some good news right at the beginning of the year, and that's what this post is about.

As you are aware, Burma (Myanmar) issued a special postmark on 2nd October 1969 to commemorate the Gandhi centenary. I have never come across a postally used (sent through mail) cover with the postmark, and have always seen on unused covers, either with the Mahatma's image as artwork or just blank covers.

The postmark I had in my collection all this while is shown below:

I have been harbouring suspicions about the authenticity of this postmark for quite some time now. The fact that this commonly available variety comes on so crisp a cover and that identically clean postmarks (on identical clean covers) are available in the Indian market fueled my curiosity. But with no counter-reference, I could not substantiate it.

Recently, I was able to procure another type of the Burma postmark from abroad, as shown below:

As you can see, comparing the 2 postmarks, there are some subtle differences:

1) Cover 1 - The stars on either side of "Rangoon" appear with centre portion enlarged and pointed ends blunt

Cover 2 - Stars well pointed

2) Cover 1 - The extremes of the 5 Horizontal lines are well-aligned.

Cover 2 - The extremes of the 5 Horizontal lines have an uneven and tapered feel, the shape similar to the brackets "(" and ")"

3) The fonts used in Covers 1 and 2 are also distinct.

I reached out to noted Burma philatelist Mr.Richard Warren, who has also authored a book on Burma Philately, requesting his help in identifying the genuine type. He was kind enough to reply immediately, and incidentally, he has recently written an article in the Journal of Burma Philately about the Gandhi Burma postmark.

From his notes, I could infer the following points:

1) The Burma postmark seen commonly is from "Rangoon". What we did not know is that it was also used from "Mandalay". I have never seen an example of the Mandalay postmark, and it would be great if readers can share it from their collections.

2) The postmark which I bought recently (2nd cover shown above, with pointed stars and tapered lines) is the genuine type of postmark. The one that I had in my collection earlier (1st cover with Gandhi image) is the most commonly available forged variety.

3) Apart from this common forgery, another postmark with distinct spacing between the stars and "Rangoon" is known to be a fake variety.

Now all the 3 types (known till date) are summarized below:

I'm glad that after all these years I could finally solve the Burma puzzle and get my hands on a genuine postmark!

Thanks, and looking forward to your comments,

Nikhil Mundra

www.gandhistamps.com

14th January 2012

==============

1948 India Gandhi Stamps : GANDHI 1948 STAMPS MOURNING COVER Cancellation : O.M.G !!!

2012-01-13T11:28:00.011-05:00

1/13/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw GANDHI 1948 ISSUE 4 VALUE STAMPS MOURNING COVER on eBay India. Reason it came to my notice was price.!! (approximately $4000 for single cover).

After looking at this cover I can't believe it.!! O.M.G!! (Oh My God!!.)

http://www.ebay.in/itm/GANDHI-1948-ISSUE-4-VALUE-STAMPS-PVT-MOURNING-COVER-SCARCE-COVER-/320814590068?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_203&hash=item4ab20a2874#ht_1117wt_1130

To me above auction item looks questionable(Forgery) as it has different cancellation then officially issued. If you think this is Genuine then let me know with sufficient proof (BPA or BPP Cert) so I can modify this blog post.

Look at the above four first day cancellation on 1948 Gandhi stamps. One on 10 Rs is taken from above cover where as other are taken from following three covers

Compare closely cancellation on 10 Rupees stamp with other three cancellation from BOMBAY GPO.!!!

Did you notice any difference?

According to me cancellation on 10 Rupees stamp is a forgery and other three are genuine. Compare Alphabets, Numbers, Spacing between them and also emblem in cancellation and you will notice right away. Also look at size, sharpness, curves, thickness etc of this cancellation.

Even look at Indian Language alphabets in Hindi.!! It's way different.

Following are the 4 covers from which I cropped cancellation to enlarge to see more details of it. All covers have cancellation from BOMBAY GPO.

You will be also be amazed after comparing and detail research on this cancellation.

Do you think it is FORGERY in 1948 Gandhi stamp FDC cancellation(rubber stamp) ?

It's tempting to make this kind of forgery cancellation(rubber stamp) because it can give 10 times more money then just selling stamps.!!

Higher the price more forgery and Fake philatelic item (to make it RARE) are possible so beware when you go for it. Specially FDC or Used cover with 10 Rupees Gandhi 1948 stamps as well as other 1948 Gandhi stamps.!! If possible ask seller for BPA or BPP certification for high price item or don't buy it if no BPA or BPP certification.

After researching about Gandhi stamps, FDC, FFC, special cancellation to me it is a big SCAM going on Gandhi Philately because of recent popularity of Gandhi stamps collection. So Beware of all this activities.

Recently I can't find any interesting Gandhi Philatelic item except some fake or forgery or stolen item from government such as 1969 India Gandhi color trials, 1948 Indian Gandhi stamps used in Tibet or Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation on 1948 Gandhi Stamps or Germany FAKE International Day of Non Violence Cancellation or St. Vincent FDC or early usage of 1948 Gandhi stamps, Nicaragua 1994 FDC, Madagascar 1999 FDC, Maldives FAKE Max Card and all different philatelic material related to Gandhi.!!

O.M.G!! (Oh My Gandhi!!) what's happening in Gandhi Philately.!!!!!! It's a SCAM.!! O.M.G!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Update on 1/25/12:- This cover was for sale on ebay.com for $4500 with interesting description.!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INDIA-1948-GANDHI-PRIVATE-MOURNING-COVER-4-VALUE-STAMPS-FD-CANCELLATION-/320832326120?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab318c9e8#ht_500wt_1193

Cover with Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation on India Gandhi 1948 stamps : Avoid Collecting (Investing) in Repression!!

2012-01-12T09:29:00.038-05:00

1/12/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

It's back again.!!.Cover with 1948 Indian Embassy Nepal Cancellation on 1948 Gandhi Stamps.

Want to see more Nepal India Embassy Cancellation cover then please look TIBETANPOST.com at following website before you read this blog post and understand more about Nepal India Embassy Cancellation.

http://www.tibetanpost.com/tpost.php?op=subsection&id=205&filter=

Even after writing 3 blog posts about this Nepal Indian Embassy cancellation on 1948 Gandhi stampscover, I still have 3 more questions about this.

1) How/Why stamps reached to Nepal Indian Embassy on/before 15-Aug-1948 ? Any used cover on that date with register mail?

2) Why we don't see FDC with official Post and Telegraph (P&T) cachets with Gandhi portrait, which we see commonly see on 1948 Gandhi Stamps FDC ?

Also why no special commemorative first day cancellation from Nepal Indian Embassy ? if Pondicherry has one.!!! even though Pondicherry was part of French until 1954.!! Think if P&T can arrange stamps then they can arrange commemorative cancellation.!!

3) As this cover was mailed to Nepal address, was India Gandhi Stamps were valid for postage usage inside Nepal and if so who carried this mail to that address? Nepal post or Indian Post ? What was valid postal rate for this used cover.!! (Domestic rate or International rate, Airmail or Surface mail)!!

Please read my following other previous blog post about Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation on Gandhi Stamps so you will get more knowledge about this cover.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/05/nepal-india-indian-embassy-mahatma.html

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/10/india-1948-gandhi-stamps-fdc-value.html
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-difference-in-1948-gandhi-stamp.html

Currently on ebay you will see three 1948 cover from Nepal Indian Embassy with 1948 Gandhi Stamps for sale. Only thing changed is Buy it Now or Best Offer instead of Auction type listing.!!!!!! and price is double/triple of last sale.!! (So no more shill bidding.!!!)

1.5 Annas Gandhi Ghandi 1948 issue (only 1 low value stamp of 4 values set) used from Indian Embassy (Nepal) 15 August 1948 was sold for $50.

After thinking about my above 3 questions it looks to me that this cover was not possible in 1948.!!! because communcation and transportation between India and Nepal was not fast as we used to see today. Also not sure what was the need to send stamps to Nepal Embassy on first day.!!. If stamps can reach in Nepal for cancellation on Aug 15, 1948 then cacheted cover from P&T should reach there too.!!

Do you think it might be backdated ?!! as there is no receiving CDS or just someone has rubber stamp of this cancellation!! (like we see in other high priced Gandhi Philately material.!!)

One more thing why it is coming out of 60+ years.!! and how many of you have seen 1948 Typewriting address FDC with Gandhi Stamps?

Do anyone has seen BPA or BPP expertising certification of this cover.??

Try to avoid this item until you don't get satisfied answer to all of the above questions and concerns and any other that might arise after reading this. Use your imagination what are the possibilities.?

If you pride yourself enjoying Genuine collection, you should do through research and exposing any suspicious activity going on.

I bought this Nepal FDC 2-3 years back and I still have this costly album because I paid high price($80 for low value Stamp!!) for this, but I want others should do more research before you buy it.!! I bought this because there was no research what to look before you buy, but now you have it.

You can see Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation details in world famous Gandhi Philatelic site from Mr. Rajan's webpages.

http://www.topicalphilately.com/gandhi/PDF/chicagopex%2004.pdf

And also from Maulik's 1948 online exhibit.

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0684/index0684_007_008.htm

They both have Used Nepal Cancellation after 3 months of issue date of stamp with CDS date of 14th and 19th Nov, 1948.!!

If I have to buy it now (after 3 years in this hobby) I will avoid it because(now I know how Gandhi Philately works.!!) lot of research needed before this kind of cover with cancellation is to be consider Genuine. I will not make my collection differently unique.!! with this kind of philatelic material because it needs lot of research.

As again more unique or rare more research is needed and still it will not convince if you think given all the situation, circumstances etc.

Do you think I want to decrease my value of collection by writing this information.?!!! I also don't want to loose money on my investment, but I don't want to be proud or happy or look happy with this kind of questionable Gandhi philately item if we cannot find TRUTH about this kind of cover.!!

One more thing I can't see more new collector to get trap like me.!! When I was bidding on auction, no information about all this and other Gandhi dealers/collectors were laughing at me and other well known philatelist who were trapped, but now I don't want to laught or that dealers/collectors also don't want to laugh at other new collectors.!! This is for all RARE/UNIQUE Gandhi Philatelic material.!!

Do your OWN research before you buy Nepal Indian Embassy Cancellation on 1948 Gandhi Stamps as well as other Gandhi Philately material.

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Togo Gandhi Stamps : The Collapse of the Stamp Collection !!

2012-01-11T15:20:00.010-05:00

1/11/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Since last 2-3 years or more stamp collection hobby is declining but now even popular Gandhi Stamp collection is also declining. !!

After looking at auction ended 30 mintues ago for Togo 1969 Gandhi Stamps along with stamps of other four leaders of world was sold only for 1 Euro. To me it looks like COLLAPSE of the Stamp Collection after very low selling price of Gandhi stamps and very few bidders (mostly dealers/reseller) on auction.

Not sure why value of this 6 stamps is not appreciating after 43 years, even though it has stamps of 5 famous leaders of the world including George Washington, Albert Luthuli (Lutuli), Simon Bolivar, Friedrich Ebert and Mahatma Gandhi.

What does this indicates, that no one is interested in Stamp Collection.!!

In my other blog post you can see what is the current trend of Gandhi stamp price specially from Ireland, Gibraltar, Cameroun, Gabon,Somalia, Yemen, Mauritius miniature sheet, India 1969 FDC, Chile FFC etc.

You can read my blog posts(more than 20 posts combined) about this decline in stamp price by clicking following link.

Gandhi Stamp Value Declining.

To me it looks like complete Collapse.!! What do you think?

Read following article from Telegraph site about "Philately gets you nowhere - Stamp decline sparks fears for Collectors."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8829055/
Philately-gets-you-nowhere-stamp-decline-sparks-fears-for-collectors.html

So before you buy any stamps or philatelic materials think twice what are going in to. Make sure you not accumulating someone junk as your treasure.!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gandhi Stamp Sheet value : Gandhi Ireland stamp sheet : Is Gandhi Stamps price not appreciating at all and it's declining.!!

2012-01-11T00:30:00.002-05:00

1/11/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently on ebay two Gandhi Ireland Stamp Sheets of 120 stamps each was sold for $42!!!(27 UK Pounds).

In past we have seen stamp sheet of Gandhi stamps selling for very low price. Malta Stamp sheet of 60 stamps was sold for $12 and two Morocco Gandhi sheet with 50 stamps was sold for $80.(Click link to read blog post about Malta and Morocco Stamp Sheet with Gandhi Stamps.)

I think because of sheet in stamps it got $42 (18 cents per stamp set (2 stamps)) other wise it might be less. In December 2011 single stamp set(of 2 stamps) was sold for 0.01 Euro.!!! Check out my blog post about this by clicking following link.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/ireland-gandhi-stamps-one-of-cheapest.html

So to all collectors there are enough Gandhi Stamps for everyone. So don't just buy blindly as if Gandhi Stamps price will go up very fast and will get good return on investment.

Think after 43 years Gandhi stamps are still available at very nominal price. I think collector who had this stamp for 43 years did not have good ROI except enjoyment of keeping in very safely, nicely and with worried of getting damaged by water, fire, weather etc.!!!

In future you might see this stamp sheet selling on ebay or delcampe as sheet or in block of 4 or with gutter margin etc.!!

This is for reference for future new Gandhi Stamp Collectors, so they know what was pricing of this stamps in 2011 even after 40+ years!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

St. Vincent Gandhi Stamp FDC - Is this Genuine Gandhi FDC?

2012-01-10T10:17:00.012-05:00

1/10/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently on eBay India I saw St. Vincent FDC with 1998, 2000 and 2005 Gandhi stamps and I was surprised. Nothing change in 7 years.!! i.e. Simple Cover and Simple First day Cancellation.!!

FDC should have unique cachet printed on Cover and unique special cancellation related to theme of stamps, which keeps collector interested in collecting. If it is this kind of simple FDC then it's very hard to trust about this cover and collector will start questioning this kind of FDC.

Do you think following are Official First Day Cover ?

2000 FDC

1998 FDC

2005 FDC

Following is screenshot from eBay India where above FDC is selling from for $9-$10.!!

Did you notice something similarity in above 3 FDC. Now think what are the possibilities!! and also think whether this is really Official FDC from St. Vincent Postal Service.!! Bring it On!!

2003 FDC

Also not sure above FDC was in 2003 or 2005!!

It's easy to make(DIY) this kind of FDC at cheaper rate because just print one cover (with Official FDC) and rubber stamp and start stamping on Gandhi stamp as well as different kind of stamps.!!! and FDC is ready for sale.!! Who cares about different cachet even though they are issued 7 years apart.!!

To me this FDC looks questionable and needs more research.!!

What do you think?

In future we all might see FDC from other smaller countries and this is how dealers and reseller (converted from collectors.!!) makes money.!!

Check out following link how to make money on Gandhi Stamps. (add cover and rubber stamp in those miniature sheets.)

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-make-money-on-gandhi-stamps.html

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Update:-

Following are some FDC from St. Vincent which has different cachet printing on cover depending on the person's work. Also it has special cancellation with theme of stamps. If you notice cancellation it is also very clear.!!

Following has different cover and different type of cancellation.

Even though all of the above FDC was issued on same date but it has different cachet, where as our St. Vincent Gandhi stamps has one cachet for all 3 stamps which were issued in different years.!!!!!!

Gibraltar 1998 Gandhi, Einstein, Churchill, Shakespeare, Words of Wisdom Stamps. Why you will quit stamp collection or philately - Part 18

2012-01-09T11:21:00.015-05:00

1/9/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of 6.843 square kilometres (2.642 sq mi), it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. It is 3rd Smallest country in world after Vatican City and Monaco and it is 220th country by population.!!

The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region. At its foot is the densely populated city area, home to almost 30,000 Gibraltarians and other nationalities which is 5th densely populated country in world.!!

Gibraltar honored Mahatma Gandhi in 1998 by issuing his stamp along with Einstein, Churchill and Shakespeare.

Set of 4 stamps offering words of wisdom and inspiration. Churchill states "the price of greatness is responsibility", Shakespeare offers "love comforts like sunshine after rain", Einstein concludes "imagination is more important than knowledge" and Gandhi propheses "hate the sin, love the sinner".

On December 14, 2011 this 4 stamps were sold under $2.50.!! from Belgium verified delcampe seller "sensiebokye" member since 7+years and with 34000+ feedback.!!!!

This stamps are available online at gibraltar stamps website for 3.50 UK pounds(shipping included) but value of stamps is declining at very rapid pace so this was sold for 2 Euro, which means that 75% decline in price.!!

You can see following screenshot for value of this stamps.!! Click following link to see or purchase if you want it.

http://www.gibraltar-stamps.com/index.php?controller=stamps&action=issue&id=124

Recently I saw this stamps for sale at $16.50.!! + $3 Shipping!! Check following screenshot.

Do you think this selling price is justified.!! Delcampe unverified seller of this stamps is "Kamalmedicine" from India is member since last 2 years with 0 (zero) feedback!!

Now compare this auction with all above points and you will figure out which type of seller you should trust more when dealing Gandhi stamps.!!

Now if you don't research about pricing and seller and buy this at high price then you will regret buying it and QUIT Philately.

So please do research before you buy anything. In following screen shot you can check what was the selling priceGibraltar 1998 stamps, FDC and Sheets.

Do you think Gandhi stamps value will ever appreciate going onwards.?

Do you think even Gandhi stamp collection hobby is declining like other thematic stamp collection.?

If you pay high price for any Gandhi Stamps then chances are you will quit Gandhi Philately.!!!

If you like this post and want to know more about pricing on Gandhi stamps then you will like my other following blog posts.

Bhutan Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-1

Tchad Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-2

Malta Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-3

India 1969 Postcard SPECIMEN - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-4

Suriname Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-5

Guyana Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-6

Somalia Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -7

Sao Tome Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -8

Mauritius Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -9

Germany Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -10

Sri Lanka Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part - 11

India 1948 Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -12
Cameroun 1969 Overpint Gandhi stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -13
Gabon Gandhi Stamps - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -14
Mauritius 1969 Gandhi Stamps Sheet - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -15
Panama Gandhi Stamps - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -16.
Gabon, Mauritius and Cameroun Stamps : Why you will quit - Part 17.

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Cameroun Gabon Mauritius Gandhi stamps value declining.!! Cameorun Martin Luther King stamp and Gabon Kennedy stamp is also declining.!! Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part 17

2012-01-09T10:44:00.002-05:00

1/9/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Looks like value of Gandhi stamp is also declining in 2012.

If you see following 3 analyzing of ebay auction on Gandhi Stamps sold on January 7, 2011 you will be surprised by selling price of one of the most famous thematic philately.!!

Cameroun issued lot of different philately material of Gandhi in 1968 along with other 2 popular leader of that time and recently that Cameroun Gandhi triptych stamps along with MLK and Kennedy triptych stamps was sold for only $4.50!!

Can't beleive that Gandhi stamps after 43 years it is selling at this low price along with other 2 famous leaders.!!

I think similiar is the case of 1969 Mauritius Gandhi Miniature sheet with 6 stamps is selling under $1.50(1 UK pound!!)

Similar is the case of 1969 Gabon Gandhi stamp with Martin Luther King, John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy stamp is sold for $1.60.!!

Do you think Gandhi stamps value will ever appreciate going onwards.?

Do you think that Gandhi stamp collection hobby is declining like other thematic collection.?

If you pay high price for any Gandhi Stamps then chances are you will quit Gandhi Philately.!!!

If you like this post and want to know more about pricing on Gandhi stamps then you will like my other following blog posts.

Bhutan Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-1

Tchad Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-2

Malta Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-3

India 1969 Postcard SPECIMEN - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-4

Suriname Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-5

Guyana Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part-6

Somalia Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -7

Sao Tome Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -8

Mauritius Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -9

Germany Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -10

Sri Lanka Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part - 11

India 1948 Gandhi Stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -12
Cameroun 1969 Overpint Gandhi stamp - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -13
Gabon Gandhi Stamps - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -14
Mauritius 1969 Gandhi Stamps Sheet - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -15
Panama Gandhi Stamps - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part -16.

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Gandhi 1948 Stamp : Early usage of 1948 Gandhi stamps : What do you think about this cover with early usage.? 1948 Gandhi stamps cover is for Investment.!!

2012-01-06T01:03:00.023-05:00

1/6/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw (you might have also seen it) amazing cover with Early usage of 1948 Gandhi Stamps.!!! On 15th August 1948 India issued four Mahatma Gandhi stamp of 1.5 annas, 3.5 annas, 12 annas and 10 Rupees.

Cancellation on this cover is 14-August-1948 from Bombay RMS (Railway Mail Service). This means that this cover was posted(cancelled) 1 day in advance.!!

Following is the screenshot from ebay.

Seller : richwho1 (USA)

Buyer : advaitcorp (India)

Price : $661 (even though it's rare/unique, it sold for less.!!)

Description:-

INDIA 1948 MAHATMA GANDHI FIRST DAY COVER. THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE WAS AUG 15 1948. THIS COVER IS POSTMARKED AUG 14TH IN BOMBAY. FRANKED WITH SCOTT CATALOG NUMBERS 203 - 204. 5 ANNAS TOTAL POSTAGE, SENT TO NEW YORK, USA. CACHETED COVER,WITH EDGE WEAR LOWER CORNERS. SCARCE.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INDIA-1948-MAHATMA-GANDHI-FIRST-DAY-COVER-EARLY-USE-CANCELLATION-/270877868789?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f119442f5#ht_500wt_960

Looks like no receiving cancellation stamp on the cover from New York Post office.

Following is the screenshot of bidders and winner is a***o(336)

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&_trksid=p4340.l2565&rt=nc&item=270877868789

Other bidders are
u***i(290) ------- cuttackpie from India and ebay member since 2006 and bidded $651.
i***t(private) ---- DON'T know. I am working on it.!!! and bidded $276
t***8(2421) ----- rohit98103 from India and ebay member since 2009, and bidded $250

What do you think about this cover with early usage.? How this is possible? . Do you think this was backdated.? or indeed error!!

Your guess is my guess.!!

Do you think 1948 Gandhi stamps covers are for Investment.? I don't think so.!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Tibet 1949 Gandhi Stamp Registered Cover with 1948 Gandhi stamps - One of the RARE 1948 Gandhi stamp used cover. Do you think 1948 Gandhi stamps cover is for Investment.??

2012-01-04T23:57:00.016-05:00

1/4/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

On November 5th, I was surprised when a Register Cover from Pharijong (Tibet) to USA was sold for $2146.!! It is one of the RARE usage of Gandhi from Tibet. Very hard to find.!! and also it is one of the expensive used cover with just lower value(without 10 Rupees) 1948 Gandhi stamps.!!

Looks like very good quality is maintained after 60+ years even though it travelled through highest region and toughest region in the world and all political uncertainty during that time. Also it has very clear cancellation from both ends compare to others covers from Tibet.!!

Want to see more Phari Jong Tibet cancellation cover then please look TIBETANPOST.com at following website before you read this blog post and understand more about Tibet used. Look closely on cancellations and compare.

http://www.tibetanpost.com/tpost.php?op=subsection&id=10

It was mailed on 12th May, 1949 and delivered to New Jersey, USA on Jun 27, 1949. It took about 45 days to reach from Tibet to New Jersey.

This cover has receiving CDS June 26, 1949 (Sunday) from Registration division of US post office New York, NY and CDS June 27, 1949 (Monday) from town post office Elizabeth, New Jersey where this cover was delivered.

It has two 1948 Gandhi stamps total of 5 Annas stamps. (3.5 + 1.5 Annas).

As per Maulik's research in his exhibit 4 annas will required for Registered mail on top of regular charges, 12 annas (12 + 4) for airmail registration, 3.5 Annas (3.5 +4) for surface mail registration to USA.

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0465/index0465_012.htm

Seller : richwho1 (USA)

Buyer : airmail1929 (India)

I have following concerns about this cover and instead of doing my own research( it takes lot of time) I decide to get help from others philatelist around the world and I hope some one with enough knowledge and experience about Indian Philately or Indo-Tibetian Philately will help us to find correct answer for one of the rare Gandhi used cover.

1) Which category this cover will fit in? Surface Mail(Sea Mail) or Airmail?

2) If Surface mail then Registration mailed was allowed?

3) What will be total postage required for this register cover from Tibet(India) to USA.?

4) Can anyone guess which post offices(cities or ports) it travelled through while reaching to New Jersey.? Following are some examples which might be used

By Tibetan YAK(animal), to Sikkim and then by road to Calcutta and then by sea/air to New York. (Is it a YAK Mail, Offically carried on YAK!! like camel, bullock cart, pony express etc.!!)

(check this photo of Pharijong in 1933 and you decide how tough it was.!!)

By postal truck/bus from Tibet to nearest Indian main post office (Simla or Delhi or Darjeeling) and then by air to New York.

By direct air from Tibet to New York. ( I don't think so. Not sure about airport in Tibet, but guess!!)

By postal truck/bus to nearest main Indian Post Office (Simla or Delhi or Calcutta) and then again truck/bus/train to nearest harbor(guess Bombay or Calcutta port) for steamer and then to New York harbor.

Read following link about Tibet mail in 2011 and now think what will be the case in 1949.!!

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7379806.html

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7379806.html

5) If travel through India then why no CDS from any other cities of India as this is Register cover which needs special care by every post office it travels through about receiving it (same way like New York and New Jersey) !!?

6) Do you think New York Registration Division was open on Sunday? and it was delivered to Elizabeth post office on Monday.!! Do you think USA postal department in 1949 were very efficient.!!

7) If postage is insufficient then it should have postage due marking on the cover from US post office or else it should not have insufficient postage from the start (from Tibet) with as it is register cover, which is processed manually by post office as postal employee (or any official) will make sure before it travels!!!!!!!

8) Not sure whether this is valid postal transaction as India was independent country not ruled by British and Tibet was different country. So how come it has India Gandhi 1948 Stamps.!! Is this a special mail like "PAQUEBOT".!!

9) Where is Tibet Stamps??

Let me know if you have more details about any of the above questions so all collectors will be aware of this cover and in future they can use it as reference material.

You can read my previous blog posts about 1948 FDC/Cover by clicking following link.
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/05/nepal-india-indian-embassy-mahatma.html
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-difference-in-1948-gandhi-stamp.html
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/believe-it-or-not-price-of-1948-mahatma.html

Do you think 1948 Gandhi stamps cover is for Investment.?

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Nicaragua Gandhi Stamps : Nicaragua 1998 Gandhi Cachet cover with Map of India Stamp issued during 50th Anniversary of Independence of India.

2012-01-02T12:21:00.013-05:00

1/1/2012

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Happy New Year to all readers.

Nicaragua issued Gandhi Cachet cover with two Map of India stamp in 1998 to celebrate Independence of India 50 Anniversary (1947 -1997).

As you can see it was issued on 13 August 1998 (not in 1997) and also not on 15th August.!! In future we might see FDC issued in 1997 same way like we can see currently FAKE 100 years of Cinema FDC issued in 1994 instead of 1995.!!

This is similiar to 1995 Gandhi Movie stamp issued during 100 Years of Cinema. On stamp it was mentioned 1994 but it was actually issued in 1995. Same is the case for this stamps. It is mentioned 1997 but issued in 1998.

This FDC is widely available under $5 on delcampe auction (Click this link to see current available FDC).

Following is screenshot from ebay India where it is selling from 1500 - 2250 Rupees which is 30-40$.!!! I don't think this a RARE item so why this much price.!!!

Sellers of this FDC on ebay are eaglefila, philindia02, dr.vijay.vizirani, kamalmedicine and others.

Do you think this FDC is really valued for 30-40$ in price or it's just one method of price inflation.!!!

To inflated the price it's very easy. Open multiple account and start selling same item at different price and in this way one can control the price by buying cheaper and then increasing the price if other comes from actual seller in auction.(and if they win don't pay.!!) !!!

Also to fool buyer change account country such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Croatia etc. and with help of philatelic friend or relatives post it from that country (by mentioning longer shipping time.!!)

Sometimes they keep it in auction with different id and inflate price by Shill Bidding.!!(Increasing price on their own or friends item with different auction id.!!)

But as collector we can also dedicate by not allowing this kind of activity by not just buying from the dealer who try to inflate the price. I think it's not written anywhere that you need to have all stamps, FDC, FFC etc for your collection.!!!

Also you will see cachet with 2 different Shades also available from ebay India, but this are not different in color!!!.(error or rare fdc is selling cheaper than regular FDC!!) It's easy to have change in cachet color or stamp color just by exposing particular part longer to sunlight.!! or other methods to make it error!! (Read my blog post How to create ERROR stamps.)

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

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

2011-12-29T02:49:00.003-05:00

12/29/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

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

If you like this blog post then please check out our other blog post related to some other FAKE Gandhi Philatelic material. (It's interesting to read all 7 blog post, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html

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.!!

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.

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Nevis Gandhi Stamps : 1999 Gandhi Peace Stamp

2011-12-28T01:55:00.006-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Do you think value of this is 1999 miniature stamp sheet of Gandhi is $11.?

I don't think so.!! It's was just printed to make money.

Nevis is an island in the Caribbean Sea, located near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 350 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico and 80 km west of Antigua. It has only 12000 people as per 2006 census.!!

The 93 km² island(207th in size) is part of the inner arc of the Leeward Islands chain of the West Indies. The capital of Nevis is Charlestown.

Do you think 12000 people need this miniature sheet.?

This kind of miniature sheet from smaller countries only looks good to you in your album In real philatelic value this is not valued at all even if it as error.!!

Look at following FDC which was not sold for $10 on ebay after 13+ years.

To me FDC look questionable same way like FDC from Sierra Leone, Grenada etc issued in 1998.!! FDC has cachet of space and Einstein.!!!

So to all new Gandhi Collectors beware about pricing before you buy otherwise you will regret, not only for this stamp but any Gandhi Stamps.

Do you think stamps are still for investment.?

Want to know more about other FAKE Gandhi Stamps Philatelic Materials then please check out our other blog post (There are more blog posts but 8 are more interesting to read, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/fake-nicaragua-100-years-of-cinema-fdc.html

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.!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com..

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Dominica Human Rights Stamps : Dominica Gandhi stamp with Taj Mahal , Martin Luther King stamp with Capitol Hill, Albert Einstein Stamp with Glockenspeif, Eleanor Roosevelt Stamp with White House value is declining !!

2011-12-28T01:55:00.003-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal (applicable everywhere) and egalitarian (the same for everyone). These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national and international law. (From : Wikipedia)

Lot of countries has issued stamps for human rights activists such as Gandhi, MLK, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Abhram Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and lot of other human right person who fought for human rights.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, intended as “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.” It consists of a preamble and 30 articles setting forth the basic civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights and fundamental freedoms that all human beings in every country should enjoy. The declaration’s provisions are considered to carry the weight of international law because they are so widely accepted and used as a yardstick for measuring the conduct of states.

In 1988 Dominica issued miniature sheet of $5 (East Caribbeann Dollar) to celebrate 40th Anniversary of human rights (1948 -1988) with picture of Gandhi, MLK, Eleanor Roosevelt and Albert Einstein.

Don't know what to do with Taj Mahal and Gandhi.!!!

Looks like there is no interest in stamps even though Mahatma Gandhi is in this miniature sheet. Only one bidder !!

Reason for such a low value is

1) This sheets were printed to make money by printers and dealers so widely available.
2) Stamp hobby is declining and very less new collector collect MLK, Eleanor Roosvelt and even Einstein.!!
3) Even no new collectors for thematic collection like Human Rights.

So please make sure about pricing before you buy. If you don't then in future you will regret because there is lot of shill bidding going on to increase pricing when dealer sells this kind of stamps.!!

Do you think stamps are still for investment.?

Want to know more about other FAKE Gandhi Stamps Philatelic Materials then please check out our other blog post (There are more blog posts but 8 are more interesting to read, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/fake-nicaragua-100-years-of-cinema-fdc.html

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.!!

I was surprised when I saw this stamp sheet sold under US $5.!! (East Caribbean Dollar is pegged to the United States dollar since 1976 and the exchange rate is US$1 = EC$2.70) Now if you compare $1.00 in 1981 had the same buying power as $2.54 in 2011 after calculating inflation. So current value of this stamp should be 12.7 US dollar.!!

This indicates stamp value is not appreciating at all.!! and it's declining.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Dominica Gandhi Stamps : Are stamps still for investment.?

2011-12-27T23:09:00.004-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea, south-southeast of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique. Its size is 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi) and the highest point in the country is Morne Diablotins, which has an elevation of 1,447 metres (4,747 ft). The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated population of 72,500. The capital is Roseau.

In 1969 Dominica issued 3 Gandhi stamps of 6 cents, 38 cents and $1.20.

Currently this set of 3 stamps were sold between $1 - $1.25.!!

It's surprising that even after 40+ years Gandhi stamp value is not appreciating at all.!!

It was sold between $00.44 - $00.52 (44-52 US cents) in fixed price option with "Ghandi" in description. So if you need cheaper stamps add this in your ebay or delcampe search.!!

Do you think stamps are still for investment.?

Want to know more about other FAKE Gandhi Stamps Philatelic Materials then please check out our other blog post (There are more blog posts but 8 are more interesting to read, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/fake-nicaragua-100-years-of-cinema-fdc.html

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.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gandhi Chile Stamps :Is this a Gandhi Special Cancellation issued by Chilean Postal Service ?

2011-12-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Is this a Rubber Stamp or Special Cancellation ?

I saw this cancellation on ebay and I was curious what is this.? But I don't know and I did research and can't find it.!!

Is this Genuine special cancellation issued by Chilean Postal Service or just private rubber stamp?

There were huge quantity for sale with 3 different cancellation.

Please check out our other blog post related to some other FAKE Gandhi Philatelic material. (It's interesting to read all 7 blog post, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/fake-nicaragua-100-years-of-cinema-fdc.html

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.!!

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 dealers make money and prosper!!

If you have any information about this Chile Special Cancellation then please comment on this blog post so all other Gandhi Collectors will be aware of this.

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Nevis Gandhi SPECIMEN Stamps : Germany Gandhi MUSTER Stamps : How to find Genuine SPECIMEN stamp ?

2011-12-27T00:41:00.007-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I am seeing lot of Gandhi SPECIMEN stamps on internet auction sites.

A specimen stamp is a postage stamp or postal stationery indicium sent to postmasters and postal administrations so that they are able to identify valid stamps and to avoid forgeries. The usual method of invalidating the stamps is either overprinting in ink or perforating the word Specimen across the stamp and where English is not the common language, the words Muestra (Spanish), Monster (Dutch), Muster (German) or Образец (Russian) have been used instead. (From : Wikipedia)

Because of latest printing technology available to common people I am not sure how we can find out whether this SPECIMEN stamps are Genuine or Forgery.?

In today's technology world, laser printers are even capable of printing currency.!!(which is prevented/disabled by printer manufacture using special chip/software) but it is easy to print just SPECIMEN on stamps, postal stationary etc.

Even sometimes just Rubber stamp is used to specify that this is SPECIMEN stamp.

As many specimen stamps are worth more than the originals, they have often been forged.!! (From Wikipedia.)

So my question is how to find Genuine SPECIMEN stamp?

Following is screenshot of recently sold Nevis Specimen stamp. Not sure whether this is Genuine. !!

Following is 1969 Gandhi Muster (SPECIMEN) stamp from Germany. This is even more easy to make regular stamp in to Muster stamp because it's just a rubber stamp.!!

So not sure whether following Germany Gandhi SPECIMEN stamp as well as above Nevis stamps are Genuine or Forgery.!! It's hard to trust any Gandhi Philately material.!!

Following are my other two blog post related to Forgery Cyrpus SPECIMEN stamp and 1969 India SPECIMEN Postcard (Postal Stationary).

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/04/fake-gandhi-specimen-stamp-from-cyprus.html
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/09/gandhi-stamp-1969-india-postcard.html

Now if you like this blog post or want to know more about other FAKE Gandhi Stamps Philatelic Materials then please check out our other blog post (There are more blog posts but 8 are more interesting to read, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/fake-nicaragua-100-years-of-cinema-fdc.html

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.!!

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!!

I don't have any answer, How to find Genuine SPECIMEN Stamp?

Do You ? Then please let us know so all collectors will be benefit and will be more interested in SPECIMEN stamps.

I don't collect this because it's very risky.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Cameroun Gandhi Stamps and Overprint sheet with Martin Luther King and Kennedy stamp value : Don't think overprint stamps as ERROR, it is done intensely. !!!

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-05:00

12/22/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

As you all know Cameroun 1968 Gandhi stamps has wide variety( just to make money!!), but I think value of this Cameroun Stamps is going down very fast.

Look at following screenshot, you will be surprised that this triptych stamps of Gandhi was sold only for under $5.!! (This stamp is selling on ebay india for 10500 Rupees.!!)

Cameroun also has Gandhi Overprint stamp sheet with Martin Luther King and Kennedy's. I am not sure why they want to do overprinting of this stamp in very large quantity.!! Don't think this as ERROR stamps. It's a delibrate act to make money.!! by selling it to multiple thematic collectors like Gandhi, MLK, Kennedy's, Space, Moon, Error etc. All other thematic collection is declining very fast except Gandhi collection which is also declining but lesser compare to others.

Following screen shot has 2 types/version of Overprint sheets.(useless sheets.!!), which was sold for $34. Amazing is the philately world where you get money on Error. In regular world you don't buy with little error or mistake or buy it for discounted price, but in philately it's different!! and you pay premium for error, misprint, overprint etc.

This 2 sheets are selling on ebay india for 5000 and 8000 Rupees, Does this makes sense if you compare with following price of $34 which is 1800 Rupees for both sheet.!!!!!!!!!!

So before you add this in your collection please make sure you don't pay high price because multiple thematic bidders will be buying it and also lot of cheaters are trying to increase value.

Following screenshot is from ebay India on which it is selling for 5-20 times of recent selling price.!!! One of the reason of this high price is to trick new collectors that this is the price of stamps and when new collector see it at lower price then they will buy it.!!!! But new collectors might be cheated as this stamps might be not worth that much.

Click following link how price are increased in Cameroun Gandhi FDC and dealers/reseller are trying to pay you high price.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/cameroun-ghandi-stamps-fdc-how-some.html

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
Shill Bidding on Gandhi Stamps

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

Is stamp collection hobby on decline.!!

Update on 12/24/11:- 3 triptych of Gandhi, MLK and Kennedy's were sold only for $5.42.!!!

Chile 1974 FFC Lufthansa World Cup 74 Football First Flight Cover - Gandhi Chile Overprint Stamps FFC - Is FFC value going down.?

2011-12-22T08:32:00.001-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw 1974 Chile FFC of Lufthansa airlines with two overprint Gandhi Stamps was sold for $3.42.!!! Also similar FFC were sold for $3.50 - $4 last few months.

Chile 1974 FFC Lufthansa flight LH-491 Football World cup flight carrying the Chile National team dated 13 June 1974. Cover is franked with the Vina del Mar overprint and 100E opt on 1969 Gandhi Stamps are cancelled with a special event cancellation and the front has a cachet with the official WM74 logo

This is a very nice FFC but again price is going in downward direction.!! After almost 40 years it's has no appreciation.!! This price is in auction and there were total 3 bids and 2 bidders for this FFC and then also it never went up.!!

So please make sure priicing of FFC before you buy Gandhi FFC. It's selling very cheap. If you pay more than 3-4$ then chance are that you will regret.

I see lot of Gandhi philatelic materials is selling for very high price some where between 30-50$ which is not even worth 1/5th of that price, but this is a trick to cheat some new buyer who is not aware of all kinds of activity in Gandhi Philately.

If you like this blog post about FFC then please click follwoing link to read our other FFC blog post to know more about it.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/ffc

So before you buy any stamps or philatelic materials think twice what are going in to. Make sure you not accumulating someone junk as your treasure.!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

20th Anniversary of World Aids Day special cancellation on Gandhi Postcard from India - Is this Official World Aids Day special cancellation from India Postal Service ?

2011-12-20T15:19:00.026-05:00

12/20/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

I was looking to add something related to Gandhi and Aids in my collection and I came across India Gandhi Postcard with special cancellation issued on 20th Anniversary of World Aids Day in 1-12-2008.

I have no doubt about Gandhi Postcard but when it comes to special cancellation I start shivering.!! because I have seen lot of FAKE, Forgery and questionable Special Cancellation in Gandhi Philately, so I question this special cancellation issued for 20th Anniversary of World Aids Day (1998 - 2008).

I searched for more information about this special cancellation from India, but I did not find any useful information. So I am not sure whether this is Official Special Cancellation on Gandhi Postcard or just regular rubber stamp on Gandhi Postcard?

Also there is no special cancellation available on (ebay.in) eBay India.!! which is also strange as you will see lot of postcards for sale but not with this special cancellation.!!

Currently wide variety (different theme) of this Gandhi Postcard with AIDS special cancellation is available on ebay.com from seller "staucy62" for $6. Of course there is someone who bought this special cancellation.!!! ( I hope buyer did research before buying it.!!)

If you see following screen shot you will know that various Gandhi Aids and Cancer postcards are available without cancellation for very cheap on ebay India so I am not sure whether this is RARE special cancellation.?

I can buy following postcards and make my own rubber stamps and start stamping on this postcards.!!!! so I want to make sure what I am buying. Whether this is official cancellation from India Post or just another kind of hobby DIY (Do It Yourself).

It's easy to make rubber stamp. Download logo from UNaids.org or google images, then go to any local rubber stamp vendor or on internet and create your design and next 2-3 days you will get your rubber stamps and start your work.!!

As usual I’d be very grateful if blog readers could assist me in nailing this one. (Same way like reader "koolcals" helped me to find FAKE Mauritius Cancellation.!!)

Please let me know if you have more information about this cancellation so I can add this in my collection if it is indeed Genuine cancellation.

I emphasis on research before I buy any item in Gandhi Philately otherwise I have to regret like some of my past purchase.!!

Very nice cancel with usage of Logo/Emblem of United Nations. Permission from United Nations is required in order to use their Emblem. This is similar to using Emblem of India.

By using UN logo it does not make it Genuine.!! One need to have permission to use. Check this link to see who can use it. http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/guide (item #10)

Someone should have information about this special cancellation as they have to get cancellation from India Post or if it at there place then they have to pay 1500/3000 Rupees in 2008 and also needs to take permission to use UN Emblem.

So if it is Genuine then some local philatelist or club or government official will have something which can proof it is Genuine.

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/netscape/philately.html

I request all fellow collectors and well wisher if you have any info about this special cancellation please send it to me or comment in this blog so all Gandhi collectors as well as some other topical thematic collectors will also benefit by adding in their collection with peace of mind and they don't have to worry about any Fake item.!!

Again thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

India Gandhi stamps - 1969 Gandhi Birth Centenary issue FDC - Is stamp collection hobby is on decline.?

2011-12-19T17:07:00.014-05:00

12/19/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

1969 was 100th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and lot of countries honored him for his Human Rights, Non-Violence and Peace achievements by issuing stamp of him.

India issued large quantity of 4 different Gandhi Stamps of 20 paisa, 75 paisa, 1 Rupee and 5 Rupees. All 4 stamps are with different theme, size and pictures on it.

Now if you see following screenshot from ebay, you will be surprised about pricing of this FDC with 4 stamps. It was sold for 0.25 UK pounds (39 US cents or 20 Rupees).

Now you can see that after 42+ years, FDC with 4 stamps whose face value was Rs. 7 in 1969 was sold only for 20 Rs. This means that it did not appreciated if you count compound interest from 1969 - 2011.!!

It's very sad to see this kind of valuation of this FDC with very nice Gandhi Stamps on it.

I think such a low appreciation is due to large number of Gandhi Stamps and FDC issued in 1969.

But main reason I think is because stamps collections world wide is declining as there are other interesting hobbies for kids such as video games, computer board games, internet games (zynga, world of warcraft, internet chess, monopoly etc) and Internet communications such as email, social networking (facebook, linkedin) etc which will give them advance communications and skills required to 21st century then old hobby like collection of just stamps and fdc. I am seeing this trend also in collection of cards baseball, basketball, soccer etc. Also pen pals which was a great source of stamp collection is also obsolete because of internet social networking.

Also because of all Forgery, SCAM, FAKE stamps and philatelic materials I think less and less people are not interested in stamp collections and experienced philatelist is also growing up in age and there kids are less interested in stamps because of the all above reason.

So I think stamp collection hobby is declining including Gandhi Stamps.!!!

So before you buy any stamps or philatelic materials think twice what are going in to. Make sure you not accumulating someone junk as a treasure.!!

Want to know more about price decline in Gandhi stamps than please click following link.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/Gandhi%20stamp%20value%20declining

After reading above link, don't you think pricing of stamps are going down.

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Madagascar Gandhi Stamps - Fake FDC of Mahatma Gandhi Stamps sheet.!! - Is it Stamp Investment or Scam.?

2011-12-16T23:02:00.029-05:00

12/16/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

This is our 200th blog post on Gandhi Philately Study Circle.!! Thanks to all our blog readers and special thanks to Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti of RAINBOW STAMP CLUB for referring our blog to all her blog readers by adding us in "favorite sites and blog". This is a great honored for us to be on her famous philatelic blog.

Today I am happy to announce that 1000 readers (and growing) were referred from her blog rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com. which is 3rd most referreing sites to our blog after google.in and google.com.

But I think it is #1 site as we are on her favorite blog since last 8-9 months only, while google is referring since starting of this blog.!!

The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar (at 587,041 square kilometres (226,658 sq mi), the fourth-largest island in the world).

In 1998 along with other African and South American Countries (click link to see 1998 Gandhi stamps) issued two Mahatma Gandhi Stamp sheet. Don't you think this Madagascar stamp and sheets are similar to other countries which issued Gandhi Stamps in 1998!!

Now look at following screen shot from ebay india auction site and you will be amazed if you are new to Gandhi stamp collection. If you are experience collector then you know all kind of FAKE material available on ebay and delcampe.

Even though stamp sheet were issued in 1998 FDC has CDS of 10-Aug-1999.!!!

I verified this on 2 most famous Gandhi Stamps and Philately website of Dr. Rajan and Nikhil Mundra and it is indeed 1998. http://gandhistamps.com/Madagascar.htm http://topicalphilately.com/gandhi/

Yes there was another miniature sheet issued in 1999 with other 7 famous people and Mahatma Gandhi. This sheet also has Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, General Pershing, General Moshe Dayan and others.

Following is the 1999 Miniature sheet with Mahatma Gandhi stamp.

Now if you compare this stamp with FDC it's different. So now think what's going on in Gandhi Philately. If you think this is not right information then please let me know so I can modify this blog post.

I think all 1998 Gandhi FDC are questionable so do your research before you buy it. It's ugly out there.!!

If you like this blog post then please check out our other blog post related to some other FAKE Gandhi Philatelic material. (It's interesting to read all 7 blog post, so please read.!)

Maldives : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/maldives-gandhi-stamps-is-it-fake.html
Germany : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-back-again-fake-germany-2009-gandhi.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/06/possible-fake-postmark-cancellation.html
Madagascar : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/12/madagascar-gandhi-stamps-fake-fdc-of.html
Nicaragua : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-fdc-made-from-nicaragua-1979-1980.html
Mauritius : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/early-usage-of-indian-pin-code-classic.html
1969 issues : http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html

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.!!)

After reading both blog post don't you think similar pattern for making FDC or Max Card in Gandhi Philately.!!

Is it investment or scam ? !! 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!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gandhi Boycott Label - Gandhi Boycott British Goods Label - Do you really need this kind of Gandhi Cinderella label?

2011-12-15T13:15:00.003-05:00

12/15/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw 2 Gandhi Boycott British Goods Label sold for $17.!! I think this is too much for this kind of label as this are not 80+ years old.!! It is just printed recently and dealers are trying to make money out of it.

You can read my other blog post about Boycott Label which will explain in detail about this.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-gandhi-boycott-label.html

Seller : Collstamps
Buyer : akhilesh_1983

Following screenshot will show you how much currently seller are asking for this kind of Cinderella material which can be printed any time and any body without worry about any forgery.!! Because it's label and it's Cinderella label (not stamp!!).

So beware before you jump into this.

I almost bought this 2 years ago, but when I saw some suspicious bidding activity and seller recent and past activities I cancel this deal so I think I was lucky at that time.

Now I will not even buy it for $1 as it will take my album space, as this label don't justify any significant philatelic value.

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gandhi Stamps - 1998 from Grenada , Grenada Grenadines, Dominica, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Vincent, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda , Zambia.

2011-12-14T17:22:00.011-05:00

12/14/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

1998 was 50th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. (1948 -1998) and stamp dealers and printers came up with stamps on this occassion!!

Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, St. Vincent, Grenada, Grenada Grenadines, Guyana, Ghana, Montserrat, Liberia, The Gambia, Dominica and others came up with Miniature sheet and stamps of Mahatma Gandhi. (Also India issued Mahatma Gandhi stamp to celebrate this)

Design and printing of all this stamps is similar and sometimes you will be confused whether this is error or what.!! (Looks like dealers and printers are lazy as they don't even want work to make it different and interesting shapes, sizes and different pictures.!!)

Following are some of 1998 miniature sheet and stamps from African and South America countries with Taj Mahal, Gateway of India, Emblem of India which are currently available on delcampe.

All 1998 Gandhi sheets looks similar!!

Do you think this has any value in philatelic or it is just a album filler.!! and you will easily spent 100-150$ on this miniature sheet and stamps. Also FDC of this miniature sheets and stamps are questionable.!!

Think why no other countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia issued stamps of Mahatma Gandhi in 1998, because they print stamps for actual use as regular domestic postage by common people not just to make money on it.!! Do you think any of this countries people can afford this stamps. I bet 95% of this countries people did not even saw this Gandhi Miniature sheet or might made it in this countries.!! Also they print stamps which is important to their countries only and occasionally this countries issue stamp of other countries important events, leaders, etc

This is how stamp printers and stamp dealers prosper!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Cameroun Gandhi Stamps FDC : How some stamp dealers increase price and makes it's difficult for new Gandhi collectors - Part 3 ?

2011-12-14T17:12:00.002-05:00

12/14/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

This is one of the famous auction where dealers used their dirty tricks to outbid new collectors and than trying to sell their.!!

As you can see from following screenshot that winner of this auction is "Khel10ka".

He opened new delcampe id just to increase the bid on this item and eventually outbid me and won the auction. But think what he did not paid for this.!!!

Following is the feedback from seller about buyer "Khel10ka"

French to English translation of his feedback

"no one, attention this person is without interest, refuses the questions, to avoid----------"

Now let's see how dealers/resellers play tricks with you.

Now if you see following screenshot you will get some idea what happen.

Khel10ka started bidding from 153.40 to 190.20 Euros and he won and I lost.!! But "Khel10ka" did not paid.!!! and in this way he increased the price of this FDC and makes it difficult for new Gandhi collectors.

Now if you see "Anusur" started bidding from 125.20 Euros till 153.00. To me it looks like "Anusur" and "Khel10ka" are same bidders. Also "kad_ss" was trying to sell me Cameroun FDC for 190 Euros.!!

So now you need you think what happen in this.?

Now if you see above screen shot you will see all dealers/resellers trying to bidding on this FDC because some of them are or might be also selling this Cameroun FDC.!!

Here there are actually 3-4 bidders but they are using multiple id in order to increase price.!!! This is common practice in Gandhi Philately by certain dealers and resellers.!!

Now you need to decide how to buy , from whom to buy etc when you start collecting Gandhi Philatelic material other wise you will be paying very high price like me.!! So BEWARE !!

Eventually seller sold me this FDC for 120 Euros.!!! Yes I bought it at very high price because of this kind of greedy dealers.!!

If you like this post, then you can read my other blog post

South Africa Gandhi Stamps : How some stamp dealers increase price - Part 1 ?
San Marino Gandhi Stamps : How some stamp dealers increase price - Part 2

I hope this kind of blog post about my experience will help you to understand how to protect yourself in Gandhi Philately.

As I mentioned in my previous blog posts about this FDC is not rare and price is dropping and lot of shill bidding to sell this FDC. So avoid it by thinking as a piece of paper.

I can keep my mouth shut about this and I can join with them to increase my value, but I choose other option to publish this and make everyone aware of this so no other Gandhi collectors is cheated.!!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

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

2011-12-14T00:55:00.005-05:00

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.

4) Gandhi Khadi stamp + presentation pack 100 Pieces for sale!!

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

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Ireland Gandhi Stamps : One of the Cheapest Gandhi stamps sold in ebay auction!! Do you still think investment in Stamps collection is a good strategy ?

2011-12-13T10:26:00.012-05:00

12/13/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Ireland honored Mahatma Gandhi in 1969 to celebrate his 100th Birth Anniversary by issuing two stamp of him.

This two stamps are selling for Euro 0.01 ( 1 euro cents only). This is cheapest Gandhi stamps sold on ebay.Only 0.01 euro for 2 Ireland 1969 Gandhi stamps.!!

Also there are lot of FDC available for this stamps with different cachet. Currently it is selling for $1.50 .!!

If you count all inflation in currency and expense to store FDC, Do you think Gandhi stamps are really for investment.?

Look at the price of FDC selling after 40+ years.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

San Marino Gandhi Stamps : How some stamp dealers increase price and make difficult for new collectors - Part 2 ?

2011-12-12T23:49:00.004-05:00

12/12/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

San Marino, is 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 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.

In 1987 San Marino honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamp of him.

Now let's analyze my purchase of this FDC in March 2009.

As you know I was not aware of real value of Gandhi Philatelic material (as there was now where to find one.!!, but now you have this blog.!!) and in order to collect it I paid 20 Euros.!!! This is currently selling between 2-6 Euros.!!

Now if you see "Aryan" was another bidder for this auction.

Disclaimer : Before this purchase I had bought from his other id "eaglefila" and he was aware of my id as I had also bought some stamps and fdc from him.!!! Not bought any philatelic material since last 2+ years from this seller.!!

Now you need to decide how to buy , from whom to buy etc when you start collecting Gandhi Philatelic material other wise you will be paying very high price.

If you like this post, then you can read my other blog post

South Africa Gandhi Stamps : How some stamp dealers increase price and make difficult for new collectors - Part 1 ?

I hope this kind of blog post about my experience will help you to understand how to protect yourself in Gandhi Philately.

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

South Africa Gandhi Stamps : 1993 Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi - How some stamp dealers increase price and make difficult for new collectors - Part 1 ?

2011-12-12T23:23:00.004-05:00

12/12/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1993 South Africa issued special cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate 100th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi arrival in South Africa.

He came in April 1893 as a lawyer to represent an Indian firm’s case, faced racial discrimination in South Africa. In June 1893 he was thrown out of train on Pietermaritzburg station even though he had first class compartment ticket and that is on the special cancellation.

He experienced colour bar in various forms; decides to remain and fight race prejudice until 1915 thus spending 22+ years of his life in South Africa where he learned and experienced lot of things which he implemented in India to achieve freedom.

South Africa issued Mahatma Gandhi stamp very late compare to other countries because of Nelson Mandela was using Gandhian principles to fight against racial segregation enforced by the National Party governments of South Africa between 1948 and 1994, under which the rights of the majority 'non-white' inhabitants of South Africa.

So in 1993 it was a good start by government by issuing Mahatma Gandhi stamp who spend 22+ years in South Africa to fight against racism and Nelson Mandela used his principles to fight against apartheid.

Following is the cancellation issued by South Africa Postal service.

Now let see how some stamp dealer bother upcoming new collector. This is true story as it happens to me.

Following 2 screen shot will explain you

As I was new in Gandhi Philately collection I was not aware of pricing about any philatelic material so in order to collect I was trying to win auction.

In March 2009 it was bought by me "vxvm" and other bidder was "kad_ss"

In April 2008 it was sold for $7.86 and bought by "kad_ss".

Disclaimer : Before this purchase I had done business(purchase only) with "kad_ss" other id "dkkphila" and also emailed with him multiple time. No communications since 2+ years.!!!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Mali Gandhi Stamps : Do you think Gandhi Stamps price will ever go up.!!!

2011-12-12T09:39:00.004-05:00

12/12/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Mali honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing his stamps in 1969 and 1978. (there might be more!!) Both stamps are unique in color and very nice portrait of him is used on stamp.

1969

1978

Mali is a landlocked country in Western Africa. Mali borders Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its capital is Bamako.

Present-day Mali was once part of three West African empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire (from which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire. In the late 19th century, during the Scramble for Africa, France seized control of Mali making it a part of French Sudan.

French Sudan joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, following Senegal's withdrawal from the federation, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali. (Read more about Mali at Wikipedia : Mali)

Mahatma Gandhi stamps from Mali is selling some where between 50 cents to one dollars even after 35+ years. This is very interesting that value is not going up in Gandhi Stamps.

Also FDC are also available at a reasonable price.

So new collectors make sure about pricing. Also you will see lot of stamps with margin or gutter stamps so it's not any rare stamps.

Now look at following screenshot and you will be amazed. In July 2010(18 months ago), Mali Gandhi 5 stamp was sold for only 99 cents.!! So what do you think about this auction?. Also there was last minute bid retraction.!!!

Seller :- staucy62
Buyer :- dismen987654321

Look at the feedback given by seller "staucy62". To me this seller looks like have multiple accounts and doing shilling bidding as he retracts the bid last moment trying to increase price on it item. In this case he was not successful as the bidder just bid minimum and never increased the bid again which seller(other bidder) was hoping to bid upto $11.!!!!!. Not sure why r***n(376) waited for 6+ days as he bidded on Jul-19 and Retract it on Jul-25 at 10:07 just before auction ends.!!!

A classic Shill Bidding on Gandhi stamps. To read more about Shill Bidding click this link.

Read following feedback comment giving by "STAUCY62" and seller's replies.!! Also see followup reply by bidder.!!

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=FeedbackLeftForOthers&userid=staucy62&iid=-1&de=off&items=200&mPg=2&page=2

Also verify buyer dismen987654321 feedback and you decide. Click this link to see buyer's feedback.

3 years of my experience tells me MNH Gandhi Stamps price will never go up because there are very few collectors around the world compare to other thematic collection, also I don't see too many new collectors are coming in to stamp collections and there are more then enough Gandhi stamps for everyone.!!

Only way to increase price of Gandhi stamps is by Shill Bidding and I think it will not work.!!

I hope my analysis on this Mali Gandhi stamp auction will help to all Gandhi Collectors. It's ugly out there.!!!

Now do you agree with me that it's a SCAM in Gandhi Philately.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gabon Gandhi Stamp Sheet : Let's do research on stamp auction bidding on Gabon Kennedy and Martin Luther King stamps sheet with Ghandi stamps.

2011-12-09T09:54:00.007-05:00

12/9/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Today on ebay I saw Gabon Gandhi sheet with MLK and Kennedy's which was sold for $6.90 with shipping $4 extra. So total of this Gandhi sheet will be $11.!!! In past it was sold somewhere between $1-3, so I decided to dig more in to it and see what's going on.

Before you start reading further about this Gabon Gandhi stamp sheet you need to know the seller "raimissss" from LATVIA who auctioned 1400 listings of different stamps in last 15 days and almost all were sold.!!!! (Yes, complete auctioned of 1400 listings of stamps were sold in 2 weeks.) Please click following ebay link to verify before you read further about this blog post.

http://www.ebay.com/csc/raimissss/m.html?LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&_since=15&_sop=13&_rdc=1

Do you think you can sell all your 1400 stamps/covers etc in 15 days!! from Nov-24 to Dec-8.!! (I don't think so.!!!)

Now let's start reading more about this Gabon stamps and keep above point in mind.!!

seller id : raimissss from Latvia (formerly USSR) and ebay member since 2006 and feedback 9990
buyer id : (u***u(461)) drbhanupratap123 from India and ebay member since 2005 and feedback 461
auction looser id : (k***l(811) kamalmedicine from India and ebay member since 2007 feedback 811

(keep in mind feedback will change in future)

Looks like lot of money is flowing in India from ebay buyers.!!

Following screen shot is bidding details of drbhanupratap123.

As per bidding details it looks like he bidded on 50+ bids (26% of 276) on ramissss items.!!!

Ebay id kamalmedicine is looser of this auction.As per bidding details it looks 25-30bids (9% of 303) were placed by kamalmedicine.

Now please think what's going on and you will come up with something.!!! You need to solve this kinds of puzzle if you want to be successful in Gandhi Philately and then you can avoid some very big mistakes.!!!

I am not sure why Indian buyer has to go all the Latvia to buy this Gabon Gandhi stamp sheet where as it is available locally on ebay india and pay with Paisapay (india's paypal). By buying from India they don't have to worry about PAYPAL account as Paypal is very strict on certain condition and it is not working properly with India and lot of restrictions by Indian goverment to use paypal.!!!

Following screenshot is from ebay India where same sheet is available for 550 rupees + 50 Shipping = 600 Rs. which is little bit expensive then India but it's quick and hassle free shopping from India.

Please add this also in your research and solve this puzzle and keep it with you when ever you buy something.!!!

But I am still curious why pay $11 for this sheet when it is available for less than $3-4(with shipping) frequently on delcampe.

And sometimes it's available under $1. See my previous blog post about this.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/gabon-gandhi-stamps-gabon-gandhi.html

How in the world a seller can sell all his auction listing?

Do you think you can sell all your auction listings?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

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

2011-12-09T00:54:00.002-05:00

12/9/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

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.
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!!

Cyprus Gandhi Stamps : Can't believe what's going in Gandhi stamp value.!!

2011-12-08T10:42:00.004-05:00

12/8/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Cyprus is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1969 Cyprus honored Mahatma Gandhi with 2 stamps on his 100th Birth Anniversary (1869 -1969). This 2 stamps are one of the simplest design you will see in all Gandhi stamps.

Recently this 2 stamps were sold only for 0.36 Euros. Yes 0.36 Euros.!! ( 0.48 cents only!!) and that also after 9 months of listing.!! Which indicates that there is no new interest in Gandhi Stamp collection.!!!

After 40+ years Gandhi stamps MNH value is not appreciating. So to all new collectors please beware of this pricing.

In past 2 years Cyprus Gandhi stamps was sold under $1. Following is the screen shot were stamps were sold from 0.10 - 0.65 Euros.!!

Also FDC are selling for $1 (yes one dollar) so beware of this.

Also you will find different cachet FDC in very large quantity. But amazing thing about Cyprus stamp is that you will see FAKE Specimen stamp and also FAKE Error Stamp.!!

Currently 2 set of Cyprus Gandhi stamps are for sale at Fixed Price 0.30 Euros and it's not selling. This is very surprising. You can check this out by clicking following link and see Gandhi stamp value is declining from 0.36 euros to 0.30 euros.!!

http://delcampe.net/page/item/id,152742060,var,CIPRO-1970-GANDHI-n-322-23-serie-compl-cat-75-E-Lotto-137,language,E.html

Do you think Gandhi stamp is still for Investment ?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Update : 12/22/2011
Description : Cyprus Gandhi FDC along with other 2 FDC was sold for $2. (YES, total 3 FDC for $2.!!)

Update :- 1/16/2012
Cyprus Gandhi FDC sold only for 1 GBP.!!!!!

Hungary Gandhi Stamps : Magyar Posta Gandhi Stamps (Magyar Post) - Magyar Posta Maximum (Max or Maxi) Card with Gandhi Stamps

2011-12-07T13:27:00.006-05:00

12/7/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969 Hungary issued Mahatma Gandhi Stamps. This stamps and FDC are very widely available at very very low price. Stamp is available for under 25 cents and FDC are selling for less then $1!!

Hungary, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The capital and largest city is Budapest. The official language is Hungarian, also known as Magyar.

Following 2 Register FDC were sold under 1 Euro.!!! (there are more FDC sold under 1 Euro!!)

Max card was sold for 4.50 Euros.

Block of 4 was sold for $1. FDC was sold for 1 Euro.

So new collectors please aware of pricing for this stamps, FDC and Max Card which are one of the most widely available after Gandhi stamps from India, USA, UK and Hungary.!!

Do you think Gandhi stamp is still for Investment ?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Mauritius Gandhi Stamps Sheet : Looks like prime time is ending in Gandhi stamp Collection !! Is Gandhi Stamps still for Investment.?

2011-12-06T18:19:00.010-05:00

12/6/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

To me it looks like prime time of Gandhi Stamps collection is gone.!!! Gandhi stamps is not any more premium then other thematic collection such as Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein, Churchill, John Kennedy etc.

Look at the following 1969 stamps sheet from Mauritius with 6 Gandhi Stamps on it. It is selling under $1. Yes it is selling under $1 from CANADA.

This is second Mauritius Gandhi stamp sheet from ebay seller "wwfc" from CANADA is sold under $1.

Looks like charm for CANADA ebay seller is gone or charm of Gandhi Stamps is gone.!!!

Currently there are 2 Gandhi FDC are for sale from CANADA by ebay id "gdstamps" at Fixed Price and it is also not selling. I had never seen Gandhi FDC selling at fixed price by this seller from Canada.It was always in auction and was able to sell at high price but it looks like they want to get rid of Gandhi collection before more decline in Gandhi Stamp value.

You can see my previous blog post about Mauritius Gandhi stamp sheet sold for under $1.

.http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/11/gandhi-mauritius-stamps-sheet-with-1969.html

Another example of Mauritius Used cover from another Canada ebay seller "gorfa". Following register used cover is not selling since last 2-3 auctions. In past this seller had sold one of the expensive used covers from Cameroun but I think he is not able to sell anymore Mauritius used cover. In past auction was starting at minimum price but now the price is starting at very high level.!!

Please click following link to read all blog post about Mauritius Gandhi Stamps, FDC, Used Cover etc.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/mauritius

Even though this Gandhi stamp sheet is one of the best and issued officially in 1969, it's not appreciating at all if you compare with some worthless stamp sheet issued in last 10 years from countries like Nevis, Congo, Guinea, St. Vincent, Tuvala etc.

So do you think that Prime Time is over for Gandhi stamps.?

Do you think Gandhi stamp is still for Investment ?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Maldives Gandhi Stamps : Is it a Fake Gandhi Maximum Card (Gandhi Max Card or Gandhi Maxi Card) ?

2011-12-05T11:37:00.005-05:00

12/5/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1989 Maldives issued Nehru and Gandhi stamps to celebrate 100th Birth Anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Recently I came across with a bizarre finding that contradicts Gandhi handbook and Gandhi Stamps website information. As usual I’d be very grateful if blog readers could assist me in nailing this one.

I saw Nehru and Gandhi Max Card from Maldives from Indian ebay seller "ashokmehta1955" with this stamp and Day of issue cancellation date of Feburary 15, 1990. I did research on this cancellation date only (not comparing cancellation) and I can't believe it.

I am not sure why date on this Max card is different then Jawarharlal Nehru 100th Birth Anniversary year which was 1989. (1889 - 1989).

I checked Nikhil's website www.gandhistamps.com/Maldives and found out that stamp was issued on 20-12-1989. To make sure I double check by referring Manik Jain's Handbook and indeed this stamp was issued on 20-12-1989. In this book there is also picture of FDC of this stamp with date 20-12-1989.

So why there is discrepancy about date in this Max Card.?

I am now confused, which is the correct date of issue as I see 2 different dates. But I think I will go with Manik Jain's Handbook and Nikhil's website as they are one of the most reliable source of information about Gandhi stamps.

So what do you think about this Max Card.? Is it Genuine or FAKE ?

Until I don't get another good source of information I will consider this as a FAKE Max Card. One more FAKE addition in Gandhi Philatelic collection.

Lot of things to consider when you buy private FDC or Max Card such as country of issue, date of cancellation, type of postmark cancellation, who is seller including seller feedback,seller country and lot of other things because all kinds of things are possible. This is also same for USED or Register cover otherwise you will end up some piece of paper instead of valuable philatelic material.

Let me know if you think this is indeed really Genuine Max Card, so I can modify my blog post.

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Luxembourg Gandhi Stamps Postmark special cancellation issued in 1969 - Are you confused which is Genuine or Forgery.!!

2011-12-05T11:16:00.008-05:00

12/5/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Luxembourg is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. A representative democracy with a constitutional monarch, it is ruled by a grand duke. It is now the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy. The country has a highly developed economy, with the world's highest GDP (nominal) per capita according to the IMF.

In 1969 to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 100th Birth Anniversary, Luxembourg also issued special cancellation along with other countries.

I own following cancellation which I bought it for under $5.

Following are other 2 covers sold on public auction site delcampe with Luxembourg Gandhi Cancellation.

Please click following link to read another blog post about 1969 cancels possible forgeries

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2009/04/gandhi-1969-cancels-possible-forgeries.html

So after reading above link which one is Genuine and which is Forgery/FAKE. ? or None of them.!!

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Update : 12/19

Unsold cancellation on ebay .

Poland Gandhi Postcard Stationary : What is right price of 1969 Gandhi postcards or max card. ?

2011-12-05T11:14:00.004-05:00

12/5/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969, Poland was first country other than India to honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing his Postcard (postal stationary).

Poland, is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north. The total area of Poland is 312,679 square kilometres (120,726 sq mi),[6] making it the 69th largest country in the world and the 9th largest in Europe.

Poland has a population of over 38 million people, which makes it the 34th most populous country in the world and the sixth most populous member of the European Union, being its most populous post-communist member.

(Above info is taken from Wikipedia. : Read more about Poland)

These postcards are widely available and currently it is selling around $1.

So before you buy make sure about pricing other wise you will regret in future.!!

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

Romania Gandhi Stamps : International Day of Non-Violence Stamp : One of the most Colorful stamp from bucharest .!!

2011-12-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

12/4/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

On 6-10-2009 (October 6th, 2009) Romania issued very colorful stamp to celebrate International Day of Non-Violence (IDNV). As all of you might know that IDNV is celebrated by United Nations on October 2nd, which is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.

Official FDC

Private FDC

Also special cancellation is picture of "Non-Violence", a sculpture by Karl Fredrik Reutersward, sits permanently outside UN Headquarters in New York

http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/

I think this is first IDNV stamp which don't have Mahatma Gandhi Picture on it. United Nations and India has stamp and special cancellation, where has Croatia has only special cancellation issued on 2nd October with Mahatma Gandhi picture. Also you can read by clicking following for FAKE cancellation with Gandhi Picture and Emblem of India from Winnenden, Germany to celebrate International Day of Non-Violence.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2010/01/fake-gandhi-postmark-cancel-from.html

I am not sure why Romania decided not to issue stamp on October 2nd and also no picture of Mahatma Gandhi in stamps or cancellation.(Looks like "Think Different").!!

sheet with 10 stamps

Miniature sheet with 6 stamps

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

Following is the brochure of Romania International Day of Non-Violence stamp.

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea. Romania shares a border with Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and east, and Bulgaria to the south.

Romania is the ninth largest country of the European Union by area, and has the seventh largest population of the European Union with 20.2 million people. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest, the sixth largest city in the EU with about two million people

This stamp is widely available on ebay and delcampe for reasonable price as lot of collectors/dealers are not aware of it.

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

Want to read more blog post from this blog about International Day of Non-Violence then click following link

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/international%20non-violence%20day

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

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

2011-12-03T01:17:00.005-05:00

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. It's currently available from Venezuela ebay seller "sleimanshobby" on ebay for $9.50!! Click this link to see.

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.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Sierra Leone Gandhi Stamps sheets : How stamp printers and stamp dealers make money!!

2011-12-02T19:56:00.001-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1998, Sierra Leone honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing 2 stamp sheet of him.

Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest.

After researching more about Sierra Leone I was surprised that even though Civil war was going on they came out with Mahatma Gandhi Stamp and Miniature sheet.!!

Between 1991 and 2002 the Sierra Leone Civil War devastated the country leaving more than 50,000 people dead, much of the country's infrastructure destroyed, and over two million people displaced in neighbouring countries; mainly to Guinea, which was home to more than six hundred thousand Sierra Leonean refugees.

The war was resolved in 2002 and restored the civilian government elected in 1996. On January 18, 2002 President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared the civil war officially over. Since then the country has re-established a functioning democracy.

So not sure who printed this stamp sheet. As there was no official goverment between 1996 - 2002 who gave permission to print this stamp.!!!!

I am also surprised after looking FDC of this sheet.!! To me this FDC looks like nothing but DIY (Do It Yourself).

Seller of this FDC is "Phillindia01" and selling for $14.!!

Now after all this stuff you can find OVPT stamp sheet of this.!!! Same way like Cameroun and Togo stamps.!!

According to me this stamp sheets never made it through Sierra Leone.!! It is printed outside Sierra Leone and started selling on ebay and delcampe.!!!

Buyer beware of this kind of activity and before you buy think that this stamps and sheets have any value in Philately.? I don't think so. It only looks good in your album.!! (BTW : I have in my album!!)

To me it looks like printers/dealers/reseller are making money on this.!!! because printer and dealer knows Who from Sierra Leone is going to complain about this and if they want to then where they will complain.!!

Sierra Leone is the poorest country in the world, now you think do they need this stamp sheet ?

Do you think how many people can afford this stamp sheet?

Do you think this is specially printed for collectors like me and you.!!!?

Now do you think this will be value in philatelic collection.?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Gandhi Stamps Bloc feuillet value : Haute-Volta Gandhi and Albert John Stamp, Senegal Gandhi Stamp, Tchad Gandhi and MLK and Kennedy stamp, Niger Gandhi, MLK and John Kennedy Stamp, Mauritania Gandhi and Martin Luther King stamp : Stamp price is declining.

2011-12-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969 to celebrate Gandhi 100th Birth Anniversary lot of countries issued stamp. Some countries only issued single stamp where as other smaller countries issued multiple stamp in a sheet with other famous leader during that time.

I think African countries like Niger, Tchad, Senegal and other issued sheet just to make it more expensive because they want to get more money by making different thematic collectors( Gandhi, MLK and Kennedy collectors) to fight for that sheets.!!

But I was surprised when I saw value of this stamp sheet sold on various auction internet auction sites. It's barely selling between $2-3.!!!

I still think this is expensive because dealers are protecting their collection value by bidding on this item. Otherwise I don't think there are many buyer for this kind of sheets.!!

World wide stamp collection is decreasing because lost of interest in this hobby so beware of pricing before you buy it.

After 40+ years if this Gandhi sheets with Martin Luther King and John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy is selling at such a low value. So I think Gandhi stamp hobby is on downward path.

Palestine Gandhi Stamps : It's a Gandhi Stamp Forgery !! Do you think this is one the reason why people are loosing interest in stamp collection?

2011-12-02T00:10:00.002-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Since I started Gandhi Collection I was curious about Gandhi Stamp from Palestine.

According to the http://www.zobbel.de/stamp/fakes_05.htm website Palestine Gandhi stamps are forgery. Following is screen shot of his page. You can read more in detail by clicking above link, where not only you will find about Gandhi FAKE stamps but also other FAKE thematic stamps.

http://www.zobbel.de/stamp/fakes_05.htm

From above reference this sheet was unsold and seller was "brownblackcherry". Also price was $24.99 very high for this FAKE items.!! This are still available on ebay India site.!!

So after reading this article and further research that printers print stamps from countries where there is no proper authority to monitor and take action against this kind of activities. Also printers and dealers focus on countries where there is Civil War going on, Some political issue or poverty, where that countries are business in their own important issue, so this countries don't care about this FAKE stamps and printers and stamps dealers make fortune from this.!!

I think lot of Gandhi stamps/sheets from African countries(Rwanda, Somalia, Congo, Cameroon (ovpt), Sierra Leone, Liberia etc) comes in this category so we need to review before we add in our collection.

This is one of the reason why people are loosing interest in stamp collections.!!

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Mexico Gandhi Stamps : Why such a low price for Gandhi FDC.

2011-12-01T14:26:00.001-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1969, Mexico honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamps of him.

This stamps are widely available under 50 cents and even FDC are available for $1.!!

In July, 2010 Gandhi FDC from Mexico was sold under $1.!!!

You know why such a low price because it's selling from Mexico and looks like they are not in to Shill Bidding.!! Once it's change the country everything starts.!!

Recently Mexico FDC was not even sold for $10.!!

You know why it did not sold, because seller don't know how to sell it.!! He needs to keep low price and starts rigging up price.!!

So buyer make sure about value before you buy it. There is enough for everyone needs.!!

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Cuba Gandhi Stamps : You decide what's going on in Cuba Gandhi Stamp and FDC

2011-12-01T00:18:00.007-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1997, Cuba honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamp of him on occasion of 50th Anniversary of India Independence. Gandhi stamp is designed very nicely which has India Flag, Indian Emblem and Mahatma Gandhi Picture on it.

The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city.

To the north of Cuba lies the United States and the Bahamas, Mexico is to the west, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica are to the south, and Haiti and the Dominican Republic are to the southeast.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on and claimed the island now occupied by Cuba, for the Kingdom of Spain. Cuba remained a territory of Spain until the Spanish–American War ended in 1898, and gained formal independence from the U.S. in 1902. (Reference from Wikipedia : Cuba)

Now look at following 3 screen shot and you decide what's going on in this stamp.!!

On August 16, 2011 auction Cuba stamp was not sold, On September 20, 2011 auction it was sold for only 48 cents with 1 bidder and on November 28, 2011 it was sold for $16.51.!!!!

On delcampe Cuba stamp were sold under $1. Following is the screen shot.

This stamp is not rare and currently available on delcampe under 50 cents.!! Please look following screenshot about current auction. So not sure why buyer is not buying this and wants to buy for $16.!!

Even FDC was sold under $3.

So why someone is paying more than $16.!! for just a single MNH stamp. What do you think about this transaction?

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
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!!

Congo Gandhi Stamps - Do you think this is example of SCAM in Stamp Collection specially in Gandhi thematic collection?

2011-11-29T09:32:00.006-05:00

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

There are two countries named with Congo who honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing his stamp.

1) Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
2) Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo, sometimes known locally as Congo-Brazzaville, is a state in Central Africa.
The republic is a former French colony. Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. The People's Republic of the Congo was a Marxist-Leninist single-party state from 1970 to 1991. Multiparty elections have been held since 1992, although a democratically elected government was ousted in the 1997 Republic of the Congo Civil War. (Read more about Republic of the Congo at Wikipedia)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world. The Second Congo War, beginning in 1998, devastated the country and is sometimes referred to as the "African world war" because it involved nine African nations and some twenty armed groups. Despite the signing of peace accords in 2003, fighting continues in the east of the country. The war is the world's deadliest conflict since World War II, killing 5.4 million people since 1998.The vast majority died from malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo was formerly, in chronological order, the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo-Léopoldville, Congo-Kinshasa, and Zaire (Read more about Democratic Republic of the Congo : Wikipedia)

Congo was 3rd country in world after India and USA to honored Mahatma Gandhi by issuing stamp of him. I think this was real honored to Mahatma Gandhi.

1967

In 1992, they again honored Mahatma Gandhi with MLK, but after that all stamps are questionable.

1992

Now look at the following stamps issued by Congo and you decide whether this is a SCAM or not in Gandhi Philately.?

To me it looks like maximum # of Gandhi stamps came from Congo in last 10 years.!! This is not honored to Mahatma Gandhi but to honored printers/dealers/reseller.!!!

Starting 2001 dealers are taking benefit of internal war by issuing stamps of GANDHI. I think this is nothing but a SCAM in Gandhi Philately.!! It's very sad where people are dying in Congo and this dealers are taking it's benefit. Following are all bogus stamps from Congo so avoid it and don't support this SCAMMER.

All following stamps were issued after 1997.!!

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2001

There might be more Gandhi Stamps from Congo which we all might see after couple of years.!!!

Now look at what price Congo stamps sold for even 1967 FDC.

Considering the political situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo since last 15 years, I think stamp dealers are printing without permission of government as there is none like Somalia(since 1991) , Afganistan (till 2002) etc.

Do you think this many Gandhi Stamps from Congo are needed?

Do you think stamps issued after 1998 is/was available in Congo!!? But in future you might see used cover with stamps issued after 1998 from Congo(same way like Cameroun Overprint Used covers).!!

Do you think this is a SCAM in Gandhi Philately.?

Do you think this is all about making money on Gandhi Stamps?

For all above questions I think so.!!!

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.

My 100th blog post.

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

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