15-2007: EYOF - Sport:

This nice issue come to IX European Youth Olympic Festival held in Belgrade-Serbia, issued on June 20, 2007, with nice FDC design and numbered block of 2 stamp.

Graphic designer come from Belgrade (Nadezda Skochajich), that made one good job.

Block have 2 stamps face value 2x46 dinar, and dealer are selling it for around 1.50 euro.

16-2007: Equestrian Sport - Horses:

One really "on center" issue, commemorating this sport, issued on June 28, 2007, designer Ana Kostic from Belgrade, set of 4 value + tab on middle, "hard" items for standard collectors because they will need all 5 set in sheet to complete tab picture. Serbia issue this format for long period, and it is difficulty for any collectors to have all issue in this format. Yes - they have prices in catalog, but far away from even face value needed to pay on day of issue.

Set alone is not so expensive, around 3.00 euro without tab on middle, but if You will need complete strip of 4+tab, it will rise to 6.00 euro per set. For full sheet of 5 set that mean 30.00 euro, not small money for new issue! FDC will go to full 6.00 euro.

To start this chapter -need really be "fine tuned" because too much politics are involved in this topic.

Because I'm not of this kind people, I will say what I mean, even if it will offend some one's feeling.

I will start with two illegal issue, in principle - same way that Kossovo start to issue own postage stamp. From start, little bit history:

Like everyone educated, know well, that Kossovo are/is/will be SERBIAN territory, and after Yugoslavian civil war, Kossovo start to fight, by terrorist way, for independence that resulted in bombing Serbia by USA, NATO, EU forces - not clear why, but it happen - probably too much money are involved (rumors about Ahtisari, Allbright, Clinton and other corporation).

Finishing this bombing with installation of UN Administration over Kossovo (UNMIK), which give (without any coordination with Serbian authority) "green light" to issue postage stamp with Kossovo inscription. Because Kossovo are not recognized by UPU, stamp are classified in UN-Kossovo.

Illegal issue like this Dinosaurs set, Princess Diana, Cat, Europa, Sportist, Pamella Parker, Nature and other topic, start to pop-up on market from 1997, 2000 and continue till today, Kossovo are most affordable for all kind of manipulators and "private" editors of this stamp, for simple reason, that NO any kind of order existed on this Autonomy - UN are unable, and in most cases corrupt to stop this illegal activity, and also more criminal activity in other sphere.

Where is printed this issue, who, how, no-one know, but it can be delivered like 50:50 if focused on nationality. Some issue can be "good" for Serbian part of Kossovo, and other for Muslim part (Albanian, better to define it). There where is topic like Monastery, Kossovo fight, Target - all this topic can be good for Serbian market, and there where is an topic Clinton, Charles, Diana - can go to Albanian market, we know why!

From beginning (year 2000 and 2001) face value are inscribed in DMark, and after it in Euros, and first set (officially issued) is from March 15, 2000 year, set of 5 value, face value of 4.00 DMark, and Michel number 1-5, topic "Historic - Archeology", printed in Austria and market value it around 8.00-10.00 euro.

Next issue come on November 12, 2001, with topic of "Children Painting", Michel numbered is 6-10, face value 4.00 DMark, but in dual nominal inscribed, also in Euro, no printer stated, and market value is around 26.00 euros.

Third issue come out on May 2, 2002 - same topic like previous, "Children Painting" and same design like previous, just face value are now in euros. Michel numbered it 11-15, and market will say around 10.00 euro per set. Again, printed not stated.

Quantity for this issue, more speculative types, imperforated, shifted perforation, color shifting - all this "errors" are available on market, but what is rare is really traveled mail from there.

In photos, You will find some samples of cover and post card delivered from Kosovska Mitrovica (Serbian part) and also from Kosovo but with Serbian postage attached!!!!! This few samples, will be worth investment, because rarity and because we see from it, that on Kossovo soil with UNMIK on spot, is possible to use also Serbian stamp, use SERBIAN post (like need to be - by way), and that UN Force are there just to protect criminal structure on this soil.

And here we come with some Scott catalog update - for this autonomy, I see that listing are for 2006 year, where have an issue 21 Sept. 2006 of International Peace Day (funny-tragicomedy for this issue), showing Rugova signing "peace" document with ALBANIAN flag behind(????? Albanian on Serbian territory - really "chutzpa"), Scott numbered it #58, valued on 7.50$, but I don't believe that You will find it less than 7.50 euro!

Next is Scott #59-62, set and s/s, of 4 value, Ancient coins that show some Roman Empire coin (again some illogical theme), same catalog value for s/s - 7.50 $, and for set it come to 3.75$.

and last what I see are for Sculpture issue in same 2006 year, Dec. 1, Scott number 63, and valued 7.50$.

Again - it will be hard to find it by this prices (in US$) - because on soil of Kossovo, today is valid (officially) Serbian Dinar, but Muslim there use just euro, when someone offer US$ they didn't react.

(will continue)

#13-2007: Really one nice issue, design and I think that they "hit the point", "Easter"!

Everything is done properly, color combination, design, frame, all perfect! Two value issued on March 1, 2007, low face value where set of two can go for 1.20-1.80 euro, and FDC for 2.80-3.00 euro. This set can satisfy few topics, and for sure, world serious collectors will run for.

#14-2007: is to celebrate "Serbia Phila XIV" - Philatelic Exhibition, and issued just in sheet of two stamp, well designed, and can go to "fresque - icons" or "castle" topic, nice color choose, and well designed. Block can go for minimum 1.80 euro.

postage due 3-2007: with one stamp for "roses" design and one for "fighting cancer" with low value, but this two stamp will cost You minimum 1.00 euro.

#10-2007: Like many countries around globe, Serbia this year participated with WWF issue of protected animals, woodpicker, nice design, 4 value set plis one tab on middle, aditional expenses for collectors if want all tabs included in collection, because this sheet is from 5 set, with tab on middle composing one complete picture. Date of issue is April 18, 2007, and set alone can reach 3-4.00 euro (without tab, and strip with tab even more), FDC go for 4.00 euro, and sheet of 5 set absolutely will go for 30-40.00 euro.

#11-2007: commemorating "Table Tennis" issued March 23, 2007, to celebrate European Table Tennis Championship held in Belgrade, and issued in single stamp plus sheet (block) together, where prices for both will reach 2.50+ euro, and FDC can be sold for 4.00 euro, but sheet of 8 plus tab can be high as 15.00 euro.

#12-2007: standard issue for "Nature Protection" (even that Serbia is rapidly cutting forest, for sale on German market), two value set, design with too much color and detail, I personally don't like it, and think that Serbia Post can donate money to Nature Protection Offices, instead of printing this issue. Set of two value, issued on April 20, 2007, set can sell for 2.00 euro, and FDC can reach 3.50 euro, but sheet of 8+tab will have good prices of around 18.00 euro.

Postage due #2-2007,

is continuing in this year with Red Cross topic (I'm not common why they used "wheel" in design?) and one with Sveti Sava image, not "big" in face value just over 30.00 US cent, but from dealer it will be available for 0.75 US$ this two stamp.

#6-2007: After this come new issue commemorating "Europa - Scouting" that is one of better design in past period that I saw. Even that it is common issue in europe soil, I thinks that Serbia made one nice effort in design. Issued on May 3, 2007, with printing combination for set alone, booklet format, and sheet of 8 plus one tab on middle, it will cost collectors for set of 2v = 1.50 euro, booklet will go for 8.00 euro, sheet will reach maximum 20.00 euro and FDC will go for 3.00 euro.

#7-2007: named "75 year from fly of Amelia Erhart over atlantic" I will shortened it to "Aviation" issued on May 21, 2007, is also issued in this combination, but without booklet, and prices can go for set 1 v = 0.75 euro, Carte Maximum can reach 3.00 euro, FDC = 2.00 euro, and sheet of 8+1 tab = 9-12.00 euro.

#8-2007: come for "Serbian chairmanship of the Council of Europe", issued on May 10, 2007 - even that I don't like to mix politic with philately, I think that this is one strictly political issue, where EU made one "double standard" (same like other countries and UN) - stamp is issued to commemorate chairmanship of European Council, (same Europe that bombed and sanctioned same country Serbia, and now - it look like this way - want to "soften" Serbia and take out 15% of territory) where issued/commemorated with one stamp, valued 20.00 Serbian Dinar. Single will reach 0.75 euro, and FDC will go for 2.25 euro. Issue is good for "map" topic.

#9-2007: named after "Personalities", with commemorating two great writers, politics and more. It is one for 200 years of Dositej Obradovic in Serbia (date of issue is May 28, 2007), and second is for 50 years of Zmaj Children Games (date of issue is Jun 1, 2007), booth FDC is in standard design, not something that collectors will "ran for", and set of 2v will sell for 0.80-1.00 euro, and FDC can go for 4.00-5.00 euro (2 pcs).

Serbia - Scott catalog update:

Finally, received Scott update for Serbia (issue July 2007, page 80), and see that Scott continue numbering with Serbia and Montenegro - what we see, first issue from Serbia (after breakup with Montenegro) according Scott is:

"Battle of Mishar", 2006, June 30 and valued at 1.40$, number 348,

"Flag and Coat of Arms", same date of issue, 2 value, set = 1.10$, number 349/350,

"Water Polo Champ" issue, 2006, Sept. 1 valued at 1.40$, number 351,

"Gold Medal Water Polo Champ", 2006, Sept. 13 valued 1.40$, number 352,

"Joy of Europe" set of 2, 2006, Sept. 29 valued at 3.75$, number 353/354,

"Monastery" single 8d face value, 2006, Oct. 7 go for 0.25$, number 355,

"Stamp Day" of 'stamp on stamp' topic, 2006, Oct. 24 go for 1.50$, number 356,

"Bridal Jewelry - Museum" 2006, Oct. 30 valued for set of 4+tab 4.00$, number 357a-d,

"Atelie 212 Theater" 2006, Nov. 10 single is 1.60$ number 358,

"Mozart and Rembrandt" 2006, Nov.16 set is 3.20$ number 359/360,

"Christmas" set of 2, 2006, Nov. 20, valued 2.15$, number 361/362,

"New Year" issue, 2006, Dec. 1 go for 1.60$, number 363,

"UNICEF" single, 2006, Dec. 11 go for 0.55$, number 364,

"200 yr. Belgrade Liberation" 2006, Dec. 13 go for 0.55$, number 365.


What to say about prices that Scott mention is just that it is little bit under priced against Michel prices, and according present market value - it will be hard to buy this material even with full Scott catalog value! I thing that it is common for new issue, that Scott give "low" starting position for material that is mostly dominant in Europe, yes - it is right from beginning, but what we learned from past, and especially with SERBIA from occupation period, and before - they also have "low" starting position, which resulted in shortage on market. Today, it is hard to complete collection!!!!

Time will say - but I personally have an bad experience, and was pressured to pay much more than catalogue value for some items, just to complete collection.

My opinion is simple - keep to invest in Serbia, not all but some items (don't forget about sheetlets of 8+tab, 5 with tab on middle) will be valuable, and some will be extreme to find, like usually, some items will never recover even basic investment (too much printed).

To the future - I will try to update numbers on this page, as Scott will publish it on magazine (and if they will allow me for it) hope that some items will receive good starting prices, and we will see (with God help, and if health will allow) if I was right regarding prices.

Serbia German Occupation Michel #94-98:

Issued on 15 October 1943, to commemorate 100 year of Serbian Post, one nice issue, good topic (Train, Post, Air Mail), and in quantity of 250 000 sets.

On picture You can see one sheet of 20 stamp (4 set) + 4 tab, that mean - just 62 500 sheet was printed. Again, if we take in account war, quality of glue, time passed, and quantity sold abroad - we come to situation where You will be unable to buy it easy on market.

I noticed it in last year and half on eBay, maybe one or two time offered, and last time I saw that asking prices start too high.

What is asking in Michel prices from 2004/2005 year edition is 7.50 euro for mint and 25.00 euro for used set. Sheet is not stated by prices, it is just mentioned in Michel catalog, but SFK catalog have it more affordable prices, set is stated for mint 3.50 euro and used go for 15.00 euro.

Sheet on SFK catalog have asked prices for 20.00 mint and 55.00 euro for used condition, and here we have little bit better prices for same set on cover originally canceled will go for 20.00 euro.

Just to mention, that this period material, like others from occupation period - BUY JUST FROM TRUSTED SUPPLIER in used condition, or better - pay for certificate, and You will have it used original.

1847 & 1848 year Pre-philately mail cover:

Like what we know, pre-philately in Serbia start on May 25, 1840 year, when was opened first post station in Belgrade.

Yes -existed mail delivery before this date, but it is carried by horse rider, and mail didn't have cancellation, or cancel alone.

When valuing this kind of envelopes, we need to think/care that envelop have nice readable cancel, good condition, visible date and city name, and to know rarities of cancellation and cancel numbers. For this elements, I prefer one nice and professionally edited catalogue of Serbian Phila Club Beograd (cover period 1840-2003), issued in 2003.

On scan is two cover used in 1847 and 1848 year that are shown here.

Looking on market prices, recently it was offered on eBay, and sold for really bargain prices of 10-20 euros, but when is question about really market value - it can reach also more that few thousand euro, all is conditioned with cancel rarities and from where it is delivered. I can see on SFK catalogue one sample of Aa Beograd post, with date May 25, 1840, that have catalogue value of 12 000 euros and I think it can reach much more if offered by any world class auction.

Just to mention that in Serbia was in use also Turkish Post Service (1841-1878), and "DDSG" (Donau-Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft 1840-1880) and according same Serbian catalogue, envelope with this period cancellation can reach from 300.00 to "open" market value.

2007 year:

start with #1-2007, named "International Polar Year" where design is nice, and Maxi Card have it really good. Issued Jan 30 2007, and dealer want for set/single 1.oo euros, for FDC need 2.50 euros, for Carte Maximum full 3.00 euros.

2-2007 is "Actors - Famous TV and Cinema" that is printed in standard sheet of 8+1 tab on middle, and dealer want for full sheetlet 4.00 euros. Issued on Feb 16 2007.

#3-2007 here I LIKE IT - Tourism, and this set together with next issue of Flowers made one excellent combination. For this set, need to give 3.00 euros.

#4-2007 is gived to capital Belgrade, one single value, same design like before one year, when it is issued by name SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO, but with different face value. Dealer want for it 2.00 euro.

#5-2007 one beautifull issue of Flowers, really nice, and I think that cost of 3.00 euros for set is right.

Postage Due - 2007, is also issued, with two stamp, sport topic, and sell for 1.00 euros.

2007:

Serbia 2006:

End of 2006 year issue is presented with #9 (Two hundred year of liberation Beograd), where is issued single stamp, and on FDC one old drawing, issued Dec 13 2006 - nice design for FDC, but stamp is full of small detail, that lowered quality.

Dealer have standard prices for new issue, this one is 0.70 euros for single stamp, and FDC go for 2.20 euros.

Number #10 - one nice issue for UNICEF 60 yr. - I'm really sorry, that it is not printed in single stamp block issue, because designer made "full point" with it. Nice, professionally designed and beautiful!

Prices is same like previous issue 0.70/2.20 euros, issued Dec 11 2006.

Number #13 - go to Christmas, issued Nov 20, 2006, in standard topic and picture like everywhere in the world.

Christmas decoration, nice to remember, but no more than that.

Prices go to 1.20 euros (two value set) and 2.70 euros for FDC.

And now #12 - one prize winner (will be I hope) issue for ART, issued on Nov 16, 2006, two value set, Mozart and Rembrandt picture, really intelligent design, and sheetlet of 9+1 tab that differe from common type used before. Something, that I didn't find in other countries, and very near of Czech or Slovakian quality.

Prices go 2.50 euros for set of 2v, 7.00 euros for same set but with tab attached, 38.00 euro for sheetlet of 9+1, and 5.90 euro for FDC.

Number #11 - is dedicted to Theater "Atelje 212", presented with picture of Actors and building of same, not something that catch eye.

Prices standard 0.50 euros for set and 2.00 euros for FDC, issued Nov 10, 2006.

Number #14 - is typical for New Year issue, with Santa Claus dominating stamp, nothing special, but in frame. Stamp will cost 0.80 euro, and for FDC need to give 2.30 euro, issued Dec 1, 2006.

Anti Masonic FDC cover - again, I wish to add one more sample, which is not stated (but just mentioned) in Scott catalog.

We are talking about Scott #2NB15-18 (see previous post) where is on show FDC from this set in 'standard' version, mean with black cancel, with Michel catalog valued at 55.00 Euros.

Here is an picture of same issue, but with gold cancel, and that are still very important when talk about value of it.

I just check the Serbian catalog which have it valued on 75.00 e, and Michel catalog from 2005 yr value it on 150.00 e. I ask my supplier from Belgrade, Novi Sad and Backi Petrovac, about this items and all told me that with gold cancel will be very hard to obtain it.
Reason is that many people sold it long time ago, when was Serbia bombed by NATO and sanctioned by UN, most collectors exported and sold best items to Germany.
And one issue of this tipe is attractive for collectors that collect topic of Judaism, Third Reich, Masonic, etc.

In the end, nearly one and half year later, I received one offer from Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and asking prices was 130.00 euro, which I accepted at glance.

I can just suggest to collectors searching for this items, don't buy it from online auctions!!!!!
If You see that someone is offering this item by email, online auction, or other means - pass it, best is to buy it from knowing dealer or from trusted supplier who know all possible manipulation with this period material.

Serbia #5 "Joy of Europe":

They issued this topic every year, starting from 1969, and Belgrade is host to european children from first till sixt of October.

FDC is showing some dravings by children, and on this one I can say, is one nice attempt to promote our young population and that what need to be worldvide.

Issued on 29 Sept. 2006, with two stamps, and what I noticed, it is in face value JUST in Serbian dinars.

Before they issued value in local currency together with value in euros, now they use just local currency - this have some message, I understand it like "slowing speed" with EU propaganda, and more concentrating on domestic money.

Again artis is M. Kalezic.

Serbia #4 "Museum exhibit - Bridal Jewelry in Serbia":

Really nice project, and visible "fresh idea" by artist, who is this time someone "new" on "market" (N. Skochajich - Belgrade).

Four value in set, in local currency, great design, and I think - worth to invest in sheetlets.

Again, issued in sheetlet of 5 set + tab on middle vertical row, which give for every set different tab.

Not common - but worth. Every sheetlet has own number on selvage.

Issued on 30 Oct. 2006.

Serbia #7 "Stamp Day":

That commemorate first stamp of Serbia (23 May 1863 day that was decided to issue stamp).

This (picture) issue will come to topic "Stamp on Stamp", and date of issue is 24 Oct. 2006.
FDC is simple but nice design, and stamp alone is one poor reproduction of first stamp of Serbia.
Artist M. Kalezic.
Interesting is just, that this time Serbian Post decided to print it in sheetlet of 8 but without tab on middle of sheetlet, instead, they choice to use "Israeli" style, with every stamp with own tab.


Serbia #6 "Water polo" topic.

Issued to commemorate European championship in water polo, where Serbia got first place (gold medal) - first by independent state Serbia.
Again issued in sheetlet of 8+tab on middle sheet, numerated on salvage.
Issued on 13 Sept. 2006, artist like usually M. Kalezic.
FDC is nice design, but stamp alone is missing quality to math this kind of success.

Serbia Modern #8 and samples of Red Cross:

Here we have one single issue from "Monastery" topic, that Serbia issued for common use, it is small size, small face value of 8 dinar, for use in domestic transport.

Pictured on is Monastir Zicha, but design is low quality.

Near this issue, You can see four different issue of postage due stamp, for Red Cross week, Against AIDS, Childrens week and Solidarity week.

Serbia (German Occ.) Michel #82-85,
Scott #2NB19-22,
SFK #684-687.

I think that we need to talk about this issue, because reason that they issued it, is so human, that many countries need to learn from it.

Let's start from beginning.
Issued on 13 Sept. 1942, middle of WWII, country destroyed, bombed, industry on zero activity, most Serbian population eliminated (killed) by German Occupation army - and Serbian decided to help poor and war orphans.
Set have 4 value, with "Mother and Child" pictured, author is Vladimir Guljevic, and printed in Belgrade Gov't offset printing plant, quantity is 52 000 sets, in printing sheet of 16 (4x4 set).

Part of quantity printed, have graver initials on some of stamp, that make difference in valuing this issue.

Like all other issue from this period, this issue is also vulnerable to rust, and damage by glue, paper quality, and war period, and to find sheetlet of 16 is also hard task, especially if it is
52 000 set printed, that mean just 13 000 sheetlet existed at issue day.

What say catalog for this issue. Michel just stated that existed sheetlets, but no value for it. If to value it according set - it will be 4x40 euros will give prices for 160.00 euros for sheetlet, in mint, nh, condition. Scott value it (set) 26.00 $, mean over 100.00$ for sheetlet, and SFK catalog have more specific prices, because they value also with and without graver's initials.
For standard set, SFK catalog have value of 12.00 euros, set in block of four go to 16.00 euros, with graver's initials set will reach 52.00 euros.

In case that you have it on used cover - it is bonanza - original cancel will give You 680.00 euros for complete set. Just for info - I didn't saw it in my life, maybe (because I'm young) till end - I will find it.

Let's see what market will say?

Searching for sheetlet will take "dentist" patience, if someone have it in collection, hardly will sell it separately, and if it will pop-up somewhere on auction, it will reach more than 150.00 euros per sheetlet, but - if You have lucky, and find direct sale, or You have Your dealer - it will cost You somewhere around 120.00 euro for sheetlet of 16 stamp (4 set).

Serbia (German Occ.) Michel #Block1 and 2 FDC, Scott #2NB5 and 6:

This is one fascinating item that I must show here!
So nice, so great design and intention.
Issued in 22 Sept 1941, to help reconstruction and victim of Smederevo town blast.
Blast was in Germans Occupied forces amunition warehouse, that caused total destruction of city.
Issued two s/s, one perforated and second imperforated, in 22 000 pieces each!
So small quantity printed, that can hardly meet collectors needs. Can be included in castle/fortrees, WWII, German areas, topics.

Because of small quantity available, some people made some fake cancelation, to reach prices, that say (for perforated and imperforated separately):

Michel catalog value for FDC is 750.00 euros,
SFK catalog valued it same in 750.00 euros,
Scott have it on 300.00 $ for used set of each s/s.

Not small investment for collectors who usually need booth of them, and that will cost 1500.00 euros catalog value.
What will market say about this prices? I have really hard work and lot of time (more than 2 year) till I obtained both FDC. And in SFK and Michel catalog is warning for fake cancels, that mean more risk to obrtain one classic material, but - when I received it - it was really satisfaction.
Yes - I don't pay full catalog value, but for 1000.00 euros You can find one set of this block in good condition, but without certificate.
Because that I warn all collectors to buy it just from trusted dealer, and if possible, to invest in certificate.
On FDC that is on display You can see cancel from FD issue + set that someone used on the first day issue, I think for intention just to keep it in good condition, because to save it in mint, nh, condition, for long period, was impossible mission.
It is printed on common paper, little bit heavy, in Government Printing Plant Belgrade, gummed yellow/bright, but glue from this period was "killer" for this material. In most cases, You will find it rusted, and with damaged glue.
If to someone was offered this s/s in mint, nh, best condition ('like new") I will suggest to everyone - reject offer, and ask about certificate.

Serbia German Occ. Scott #2NB15-18 FDC "Anti-Masonic Exhibition" (Left)

Serbia German Occ. Scott #2NB7-10 "For Our Prisoners" (Right)

Even that this two issues didn't come from new independent Serbia, I choice to publish it for some good reason. For long time, I search for this two items but it is really hard to find it in even good condition, and in perfect condition is even harder if not un illusion.

With Scott 2NB7-10, didn't made me so big problem, but with "sister" issue (Scott #2NB11-14) is lot more difficult case. I try to obtain it for one customer for almost two year ("sister" issue), but without result at all. Actually, client need it in sheet issue of 20+5 tabs, where tab formed cross on middle of sheet. Issue come out on 24 Mart 1942, named "For Our Prisoners".

This issue (photo Scott #2NB7-10) Local catalogue mint set valued it low 5.00$, but issue have some more printing combination, and according type, is valued from 10.00US$ up to150.00 US$, on cover with original cancel even can reach 600.00 US$. Here is catalogue numbers and prices for this (photo) set:

Issued on 6 Dec. 1941, Local catalog (SFK, 2003 yr) #649-52, FDC = 75.00 euro, Michel catalog 2005 yr, # 54/57, FDC = 75.00 euro, and Scott 2006 yr #2NB7/10 for set used valued it on 64.00 US$.

Second picture (left side) is commonly know by name "Antimasonic", actually issued for Philatelic Exhibition held in Belgrade (Serbia) at 1 Jan 1942 (which topic to celebrate New Year?!). Here is numbers and prices on catalogues:

Scott 2006 yr #2NB15-18, set used = 16.50 US$, Michel 2005 yr # 58-61, FDC = 55.00 euro, and local catalogue (SFK) 2003 year have for FDC = 28.00 euro.

What is point with this set? Except topic (Anti-Masonic, Judaica, Masons, German Area), it have also low quantity printed, 507 000 set issued, unsold quantity of 203 000 sets was destroyed after exhibition. With little calculation, we come to conclusion that around 300 000 visitors arrived to see exhibition(!!!!) take in account that it was an war period, occupied country, with daily fighting, no job, economy at low as can be and we can compared it to today's most attended world exhibition. Strange but true!

Where come problem? Hmmmmm - try to find it in perfect condition, and used with originally postally used cancel - just try, and You will see that it is impossible! I was in possession of few hundred of sets, but less than 10% was in fine condition. Just once I obtained full printing sheet, and it was without gum. Existed two type of FDC, one with black cancel (shown) and valued around 50.00 US$, and second type is in gold color, valued from 100-150.00 US$.

For my satisfaction, I go to eBay, and saw it there few sets for sale, seller placed starting bid at around 28.00 US$, with option "buy now" little more, at 32.00 US$. FDC I didn't see on eBay?!

What made this set rare and expensive? I think it is time, topic, quantity printed and destroyed in short period, country, add to it thick glue and standard paper plus war period, You will come to less than 10 000 copies that survive first ten years, today - I think, just few of it is "rolling" around globe.