SOUTH AFRICA - South African Colour Catalogue 2012

Published by Tracinda Publications. 400pp. Colour. English

Inc Cape of Good Hope, Orange Free State, Natal, Transvaal, Union of South Africa, Republic of South Africa, Homelands, South West Africa, Namibia, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Rhodesias, Swaziland, British occupations, booklets, miniature sheets, FDCs, major varieties and plate flaws,;postage dues, officials, coils, specimens, proofs

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Philatelic Exporter review, courtesy of David Rennie (June 2010):

This is a quality paperback of some 380pp, with specialised listings, and with many price changes since the last edition.; The un-named editor in his/her foreword makes several comments regarding the current markets, and future trends, for example; "Modern material across the board especially before 1995 has seen substantial price drops due to massive speculative quantities which overhang the market or previously inflated prices."

Whilst demand for high-end varieties and rarities continues to inflate those items, the demand for general items, the poor value of the rand in the international currency markets, a continuing poverty of good designs coupled with; too many formats "milking" the collector, see many items falling. Apparently only 4000 FDCs are now sold for South Africa, compared with 185,000 when they were at their peak.

The catalogue no longer lists single mint or used items where these are normally produced in bi-lingual pairs or units; has removed "sheets of 10", maximum cards and privately produced items. Modern South Africa has been partially renumbered.; Prices are now quoted without VAT.; The used prices reflect the fact that many items are collected CTO rather than postally used.

Prices for the four provinces are untouched, but will be revised in the next edition.

The catalogue encompasses South and South West Africa/Namibia, the enclaves until name changes or independence, and the former Homelands, as well as the Rhodesias.

As well as postage and official stamps, and postage dues, the catalogue also prices FDCs, booklets, and many watermark and plate varieties. The Philatelic Foundation Miniature sheets of South Africa and SWA/Namibia are now listed and illustrated separately.