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

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. !!!

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.!!!

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

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!!

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 ?

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!!

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

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.!!

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

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.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

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

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Gandhi Stamps Russia - Used register cover to Austria - Very clean cover as if it is not travelled through postal stream!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In October 2011, register cover from Russia to Austria was sold for $123.!! It's surprising that this cover still maintain high quality even after 40+ years and going through postal stream.!! Also not sure whether it has receiving postmark CDS from Austria?

Register cover looks good. It has 2 Gandhi stamps which is not easy to find.

It's amazing to see high pricing for used covers from USSR (Russia), Cameroun and Somalia.

Seller : divlji (Croatia)

Buyer : www_stampsforindia_com

What I have noticed in my 3 years of collecting is that there is expensive(inflated) Gandhi stamps and philatelic material being sold from Croatia and Canada!! (Example: From Croatia I saw a Croatia Gandhi Special cancellation post card that was sold for $55!! I also saw an FDC of Niger, Senegal sold from Canada.!!)

Another thing I notice that buyers are from different countries (such as UK, India etc) but they are getting delivery in Canada.!! I always do more research before I bid on it and  when I see something from Canada and Croatia, I eventually  avoid bidding it except ebay id "rlingen"

Do I have to write anything else to readers of this blog.!!

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

Gandhi Stamps sheet - sheetlet from Cameroun Gabon Tchad Niger Mauritania Upper-Volta issued in 1968 - 1969. Does it make sense in Gandhi Collection.!!

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I was researching about Gandhi Stamps from Africa and I was surprised after looking at it.

In 1969, it was Gandhi 100th Birth Anniversary and  it was one of most popular event around the world for Gandhi Philatelist and more than 40+ countries issued stamp of him to honor Mahatma Gandhi.

All 6 sheetlets looks similar and looks like printed at same printing press.!! All of this countries except Tchad issued stamp in 1968.!! Not sure why!!

Also not sure why all this 6 countries did not design differently. My guess is they were following Gandhiji's principles of simplicity.!!!

Again to all new collectors think before you start collecting and see what is the real philatelic. It's not just stamps and sheetlets.!!! If you collect stamp sheetlet like this I think it will not appreciate too much as there are more then enough for all Gandhi Collectors.

 John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were famous in 1960 because of president and their assasination, but my research indicates that thematic collection of Kennedy's are not popular any more lot of stamps and sheetlets are coming in market. I think same is the case with MLK. It's surprising to see this kind of decline in thematic collection of certain leaders.

I think Gandhi popularity is gaining because economic in India is doing very good since last 10+ years and also lot of NRI who went to foreign countries on H1 Visa are coming back to their childhood hobby so it's in great demand and trying to collect all.!!  But I am not sure how long it will continued and will sustain this kind of popularity of this thematic hobby.!!

Even after this popularity this sheetlet are selling some where between $1-$3 and I think it's a reasonable price after 40+ years.!!

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

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

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

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

The United Arab Republic  often abbreviated as the U.A.R., was a sovereign union between Egypt and Syria. The union began in 1958 and existed until 1961, when Syria seceded from the union. Egypt continued to be known officially as the "United Arab Republic" until 1971. The President was Gamal Abdel Nasser. During most of its existence (1958–1961) it was a member of the United Arab States, a confederation with North Yemen.

Stamp is one of the best designed, which  also has Emblem of India and UAR. One thing you will notice is that the spelling of last name. It is "Ghandi" instead of "Gandhi" !! 

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

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

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

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

Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.

Germany Gandhi 1969 Black test stamps or Photographic proof or German Archive proof prints

Hello Gandhi Collector,

Following is interesting blog posts about test stamps which I recently bought it.


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

These items are officially produced by the post office for a number of uses and generally find their way to collectors, though usually in very limited distribution.

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



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

If you notice that there is difference in price on the issued stamp and this test stamps. Issued stamp was 20 Pfennig(0.20 Deutsche Mark) where as test stamps are 30 Pfening (.30 Deutsche Mark).

I don't have test stamp of the issued one but I have other 6 test stamp which were created for selection process.

Also not sure why they changed price to 20 from 30 Pfennig.? Need further study for this.

You will also find color trials of this 20 Pfennig stamp in blue,red,green & yellow which you can see on Dr. Rajan's website.

I am specially looking for TEST stamp of issued stamp(20 Pfennig). If someone has this black test stamp of issued stamp, please let us know so we can update this blog.

BTW:- I had returned this because it was not proof but PHOTOGRAPH. I also beleive that this was cut from 1969 yearbook and than photographed to sale as Photographic proof. This is another way to make money from Gandhi Philately items. So in future if you are willing to add in your collection than please make sure it is real.(I don't think it's real!!)

Above is copy of 1969 yearly Germany Stamp book
How you can make TEST stamp.

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



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 1969 Cancels - Possible Forgeries

There are 4 known infamous cancels of Gandhi Centenary.

1. Fiji - Previously reported

2. Below is the from Rangoon, Burma.













3. The one below from Luxemburg.

















4. The 4th and Final one from Czech Republic.













The authenticity of all the above is in serious question. I have physically handled all 3 of them. The covers appeared crisp and the size, appearance, gum and make appear very similar to the ones I could have bought from any general store in Mumbai.

Also, I have compared the "probable" authentic Luxemburg cancel that I own and purchased from a dealer based in Luxemburg. Attached below is an example. The cancel is bigger in size as compared to the one displayed above and is also much clearer.

Specifically for Luxemburg and Czech cancels
1. The ones mentioned in the Manik Jain catalog are very similar to the examples above. One on the stamp itself and one on the left of the cover.
2. There are no known usages of these cancels on any article that would have been posted.
From Fiji and Burma there are known usages in existance and it is a debatable issue whether any cancel issued and available in abundance on a plain cover with no known postal usage is genuine.

An Example of probably an authentic Luxemburg Cancel.



Inexpensive I would say, anywhere from US$15 to $25 and a Space filler for sure!!!!! The problem with these cancels is how do you compare it with an original when there is none. There is no catalog available other than the one from Manik Jain which in itself poses a debatable question on authenticity of material printed in it.

Gandhi 1969 Cameroun - One of a kind on Cover

Cameroun, Gandhi Centenary Issue.


First Day Covers are sporadically available on various auction sites including ebay and they do command a premium. In all I have seen around half dozen sales, bidding is intense and the price has always varied from US $300 to US $450. I have never understood the justification for such a high price.

There are 4 known varities of this pair. Please fee free to correct me if I am wrong on this.

1. Without the overprint

2. With overprint

3. Inverted overprint

4. Imperforate Gutter pair.

Recently, a commercially used cover surfaced on ebay. I had never seen such an item and probably will never see it again. What are the odds of this kind of an item re-appearing in an auction? The collector who bought it will never sell it privately or through an auction.

Having said that, the price of this cover did not exceed that of the FDC. Strange are the ways of collectors and bidders. Looking at the recent hammer prices in Germany on Gandhi Philatelic collectibles, no one can tell it has anything to do with the global economic slowdown. The exchange rates have been volatile and even Stanley Gibbons was forced to mark down some of it's items which is kind of unheard of within the collecting community. In the first quarter alone, I must have received at least two postal mails from them which I think is pretty extreme considering the fact that I have purchased only once from them in my 25 years of collecting. One can only wonder what would have transpired with their investment department.

I think I leave the investment for another day. For now enjoy the cover, brought to you courtesy of an ebay auction.

Gandhi 1969 Color Trials

The 1969 Gandhi Color Trials went on the Hammer at http://www.auktionen-gaertner.de/ "India & Indian States" on 21st Feb 2009

Auction Lot Numbers & selling price

20p - Lot# 11149, bid opening 1500 Euros, hammer price, 2600 Euros.

75p - Lot# 11150, bid opening 1500 Euros, hammer price, 2600 Euros.

Re1 - Lot# 11151, bid opening 1500 Euros, hammer price, 2600 Euros.

Rs5 - Lot# 11152, bid opening 1500 Euros, hammer price, 2600 Euros.

With additional 15% buyers premium assuming payment is made by bank draft to reduce additional 4% credit card charges.


Total Euros = 11,960.00
As of 02/28/09 - Total USD = 15,162.27 and Indian Rupees = 773,351.38
Barring 1 or 2% currency fluctuations, it's quite a change.


1969 Centenary Issues.

Celebrating the centenary of birth of Mahatma Gandhi, India Post & Telegraph Department had issued a set of 4 stamps in denominations, 20P, 75P, Re1 and Rs5.






What are color trials?

also called rainbow colors.





Before any stamps get printed or issued to the general public for use, the issuing authority, in this case, India P&T, usually performs a color trial. The stamp design or the sheet is printed in different color layouts and by using the process of elimination a committee or a person identifies the best one for actual use.



The unused or rejected or unissued color trials are then archived. They remain in the archives for whatever reason with the India Security Press, Nasik, India. They never see the light of the day and are never auctioned or sold. Little or no information is available as to what actually happens to them.

How many different colors?

Each stamp in this specific set was printed in 8 different colors. So, there are 8 x4, 32 known examples of the color trials for this set. Attached below are the actual images from auction.

My Opinion - I am probably opening up a can of worms.

These color trials are classified as the philatelic treasure and are the property of the people of India. The democratically elected Government is the sole custodian.

The laws of economics, "Demand creates supply" applies in this situation. Eventually the people with physical access to it become the suppliers to meet the demand and the color trials probably made it's way to the philatelic collecting community and to this auction.

Case of convenience.
I don't think, neither Christoph Gartner nor Auktionshaus Christoph Gärtner GmbH & Co. KG , would have been aware that these are actually stolen goods from the Government of India and they are breaking the laws of India by assisting in sale of stolen goods.

On the other hand, these are not officially listed in the Stanley Gibbons Catalog or The Scotts Catalog. Any sane philatelist and dealer will swear by these catalogs. So the question is, is the auction house smarter than the catalog publishers or did the auction house knew of it's existance as stolen goods and conveniently ignored it?

The million dollar question - how did it make it to the auction?

I have heard from philatelic circles, that the individual who consigned these items is a citizen of India.

Article that appeared in Times of India on this specific auction.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Now-auction-of-rare-colour-proofs-of-Indian-stamps/articleshow/4163236.cms