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

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!!

India 1948 Gandhi Stamps FDC Value - Nepal Indian Embassy cancellation - Why you will quit Gandhi Philately - Part 12

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Happy Diwali to all readers.

Recently I saw that Nepal Indian Embassy 1948 Gandhi FDC sold for $52. I am not sure why buyers really wants this cover and  what kind of research they are doing before bidding on this kind of item. In past I had also written blog post about this Nepal cover.

You can read my previous blog posts about Nepal 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

This FDC was bought by "rohit98103" from India.  This buyer also sells cover with slogan "Free India" with 1948 Gandhi Stamps. Also he sells 1948 55th Congress CDS cover with Gandhi stamp on it. So this makes me curious why he wants to buy this Nepal Cover and sell similar covers except no address to sender, but I am glad that seller is not typing  on it and telling us that this is mailed to famous philatelist!!!

To me all this 3 covers looks similiar. All 3 don't have any backstamp or receiving stamp cancellation which makes me very nervous. As I mentioned previously that I bought this cover under $10 but I cancel the transaction after doing more research on this.  I am not going to buy it at very low price as it will occupy space in my collection.!!

Now you need to decide what's going on 1948 Gandhi Stamps,  FDC, Used Covers and special cancellation.

If you start collecting this kind of covers even at 20% of above listed price you will quit Gandhi Philately, because it's is worthless item  in collection as it has no proof that it is authentic. If it has some kind of proof from BPA it will make sense.

According to me most of the cheating in Gandhi Philately happens in1948 Gandhi Stamps. So beware of this kind of materials.

Also value of MNH Gandhi stamps is not appreciating in value, so beware.!!

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

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

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

Gandhi 1948 stamps, FDC and Used Register Cover. - Why I avoid this.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

India issued first Mahatma Gandhi stamp in 1948 and I think it one of the most valuable  and interesting  collection  in Gandhi Philately.

Initially I was thinking to collect India 1948 Gandhi Philatelic material but I stopped this and try to avoid it if possible to add in my collection. My reason for avoiding is

1) Needs lot of study and research to make sure it is Genuine item as because of  almost 65 years quality of Cancellation Data Stamp (CDS) is not in good condition and also it will require lot of research time to authenicate cancellation.

2) Also it will be very hard to research about Receiving Postmark cancel (Back stamp) on the philatelic material as it is very hard to believe that it is real. (Like Nepal 1948 from Indian Embassy).

3) Even some of the register cover I saw makes me nervous.!!

4) Lot of questions about bidding on this auction which is truly amazing to research.

5) I figured it out that in India 1948 Gandhi philatelic material it requires lot of experience (15+ years) and knowledge to even start collecting 1948 Gandhi philately.

6) Even some times I think about Postmark Cancellation on cover. I cancelled my 55th Congress cover because I cannot decide on it eventhough I only paid under $10.(It's easy to make Rubber stamp of 1948, same way like FAKE special cancellation 1969 Burma, Fiji, Luxembourg or 2009 from Germany.!!)

7) But main think for me it does not Justify the value of Stamps, FDC and other USED covers.!!! (I think Lot of Shill Bidding.!!)


If you are really interested  into 1948 Gandhi Philately  then following are 2 exhibit from Maulik Thakkar (founder of this blog) which will help you what kind of material you needs to collect and what is required to make sure it genuine.

Click on both links or on caption to see this exhibit in detail. I think this is one of the best available in 1948 thematic collection. Start dreaming to make this only if you have more than 50000 US dollars in spare.!!

1) Memorial Issue of Mahatma Gandhi- 15th August 1948 By Maulik Thakkar.

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0465/index0465a.htm

2) Usage of the 1948 Gandhi Memorial issue. By Maulik Thakkar.

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0684/index0684a.htm

But don't jump after looking this and start buying it otherwise you will endup like buying something like Nepal Indian Embassy or some FDC with Pondicherry or Goa postmark cancellation or FDC from TajMahal hotel etc. Before you start it required lot of study and research otherwise you will regret.


Thanks Maulik for sharing this exhibit to everyone. I hope others will follow like Maulik to share his life long dream in Gandhi Philately collections with others so they can learn from it.

(By keeping in closet collection will not grow or it's just selfish enjoyment)

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

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

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Item #          Date                  Amount        Description                                            Buyer        Seller

Do you think this price is Unbelievable!!!

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

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

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel

1948 Gandhi FDC from India with all 4 stamp including 10 Rupees sold for $2045

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

As I mentioned in my previous blog post that I am going to make a reference guide for 1948 India FDC with Mahatma Gandhi 10 Rupees stamp so we all have some kind of resource to look back.

Seller: surlamer07

Buyer: ureddypp11

Date of Sale: 06/21/2011

Sold for : $2045

This is one of the expensive Gandhi FDC and also one of the rare as it has all 1948 Gandhi 4 stamps including  10 Rupees which was expensive in 1948. Very good return on investment from 11-12 Rupees to 75000 Rupees in 65 years. You can still find this FDC mainly from foreign dealer who invested heavily in 1948 as they were only one who can afford it in 1948.

Not sure it will appreciate at this rate but time will tell. Also not sure whether this is correct value for this FDC.

My previous blog posts for 1948 FDC are

1) Reference of Mahatma Gandhi 1948 FDC from India with all 4 stamps sold on ebay

2) 1948 Gandhi 10 Rupees Stamp and FDC is inflated?

I hope this reference will help in future to seller to check what will be his/her selling price, for buyers what price to pay,  when item  is again for resale, study material for philatelist or for any other purpose.

Do you think $2045 is a right price or good value for this FDC ?

Thanks

KP.

BTW: I don't have Gandhi 1948 FDC with all 4 stamps or  don't want to buy it at this price.!! 

What do you think about this auction of India 1948 Gandhi Stamp 10 Rupees

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

 You all know that I am fan of saving screen shot of Gandhi Philatelic item sold on Ebay (more than 1500 so far in my collection!!).

Let's see how Gandhi 1948 India 10 Rs. stamp is sold 2 years ago. This screen shot helps me lot in collecting Gandhi Philately so I thought let me share with all of you. In order to understand this you need to read my 10-15 blog posts so you will know what I am talking about.

========================First Auction=================

Auction ends:- Feb 19 2009.

Seller:- bpp14
Buyer:- 3***n (898) ("manali283")
Price Sold :- 116.50 US $
Other bidders:- o***o(335) and  k***_(826)

=====================END 1st Auction =====================

Now let's see how 2nd auction Gandhi 1948 India 10 Rs. stamp is sold :-

==================== Auction 2nd =======================

Auction ends:- Jan 20 2009.

Seller:- theobargain
Buyer:- kad_ss(826)
Price Sold :- 107 US $ (77 GBP)
Other bidders:- UK listing so cannot see. But there were total 4 bidders.

================= 2nd Auction Ends ====================================

If you don't understand what I am trying to explain here then please let me know. Only thing here is to see who is SELLER and BUYER.!!

Also would you like to see more of this screen shot about pricing and buyer and seller?

So what do you think about this.?

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

Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation

Reference of Mahatma Gandhi 1948 FDC from India with all 4 stamps sold on ebay

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Philatelist around the world consider 1948 10 Rupees Gandhi Stamp and FDC as investing item so I decided let's track and keep a good source for all current & new Gandhi Collectors. I am tracking Price, Buyer & Seller, Bidders on item etc of Mahatma Gandhi 1948 FDC with 10 Rupees stamp purchased from ebay/delcampe. It will be fun to see how price goes up and down as see ROI. Also this will serve as future reference for all Gandhi Collectors.

Also I think this buyer should do "Certificate Of Authenticity". so they can increase value of their philatelic material by get authenticated by experts from BPA.




Date Sold: 3/4/2011 for US $1246.
Seller: "jewels*n*bits" from UK.
Buyer: Unknown (because of private listing.!!)
Comments: WHY Private listing????????? Which means something flaky.!!




Date Sold: 3/9/2011 for US $1836.
Seller: "fredbettin" member since: Oct-21-98 in USA
Buyer: "advaitcorp" member since Sep-04-05 in India.






Date: 3/20/2011 for US $2125
Buyer: Mcphila from Germany
Seller: Keilbaygmbh from Germany





Date: 4/10/2011 for US $1275
Buyer: hitlerandgandhi from India
Seller: bcastleprof1 from UK






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!!

Click to see 50th Anniversary
Special Cancellation

FAKE 1948 India Mahatma Gandhi FDC with 10 Rupees stamp are selling like hot cake.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

By now you all knows what's going in Gandhi's collection. You have seen lot of FAKE material selling on auctions sites.

Following are some of the FAKE items we are aware off.

1) Fake Pictorial Postmark Cancel To make collection unique or money.!!
2) Fake Postcards Just to make little money.!!
3) Fake seller (pretending from different country or trying to outbid .!!)
4) FAKE Error Stamp (to make money!!)
5) ??????
.
.
.

But recently I saw FAKE (Facsimiles) Mahatma Gandhi's 1948 FDC with 10 Rupees stamps which are even fetching high prices. Seller is selling as FAKE cover and it still getting good money from it.

It's interesting to study this kind of FAKE covers and start thinking what else is possible in today's world.!!

Seller is mentioning about this FAKE cover while selling!! Following is what he/she is telling to buyer.

"I am selling off my entire collection of fakes, forgeries and facsimiles. You are bidding on the facsimile (fake cover) shown below. The stamps on the cover are fully perforated allowing for a three-dimensional appearance. As per ebay guidelines the back is indelibly marked and is also shown below. "

Following are some of the covers.









So now please go and look your collection that you don't have this kind of FDC's or Stamps.!! and if you buy 1948 Gandhi stamp than please open it as soon as you get it and then make sure it is not FAKE because it is very hard to make a difference. Seller did excellent job in making this. At first look I was also misguided.!!

I bought 1 set of stamps for $5 to see how it looks and I am amazed.!!! Now I think sky is the limit for FAKE creators.!!

Here everything is FAKE including cover, stamp and cancellation.!! Only thing real is seller Truth's about the cover while selling, same way like one of the Gandhiji's Principle "TRUTH".

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!!

Expensive Gandhi Stamp !!!

Hello Gandhi Collector,


I am writing this blog post after long time as I was little bit busy.


In June 2010 Gandhi 10 Rupees SERVICE overprint stamp was on sale for $225,000.


What happen to this stamp? Just Curious. If you know than please write comment on this blog.

Thanks

KP

Following is the RPS expert committe report.