By Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

At the dawn of the 20th century, Ethiopia was one of only two independent African countries. One of the oldest Christian nations in the world, Ethiopia’s history and civilization date back to biblical times. Ethiopian stamps have a strong following in the United States and Europe.

On June 19, 2000, Ethiopia issued a set of 23 Menelik’s Bushbuck definitive stamps (Scott 1548A-1555). The stamps were not well-advertised to dealers or collectors, and it was several years after they were issued before the entire set was accounted for by catalog editors.

The 2016 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue values the set in mint never-hinged condition at $26.55.

This set is greatly undervalued in the Scott catalog. Mint sets have sold recently for as much as $370. If you see this set offered at anywhere near Scott catalog value, it would be a fantastic buy.