An affordable classic Scott No. 1 stamp from Monaco

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

The tiny Principality of Monaco, nestled on the French Riviera coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the original postage stamp kingdoms. This is generally defined as a small country that issued stamps in greater quantity than needed for postal use, the sale of which to collectors formed a significant part of the country’s revenue.

With a land area of less than a square mile, Monaco is the second smallest sovereign nation in the world, after Vatican City. The principality has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297.

Monaco issued its first stamps in 1885: a set of 10 stamps (Scott 1-10) bearing the likeness of Prince Charles III. The stamps were printed by typography on unwatermarked paper and perforated gauge 14 by 13½.

The 1-centime olive green Prince Charles III stamp is one of the more affordable classic world Scott No. 1 stamps.

The Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 values the stamp in very fine grade at just $25 in unused, original gum condition and $17.50 in used condition. An example in mint, never-hinged condition is valued at $37.50.

The stamp is a good buy in all three conditions at around 70 percent of Scott catalog value.

This stamp is popular with collectors of Scott No. 1s of the world. Also, the stamps of Monaco are often collected by collectors of France.

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