All items are VF and fresh, and Scott numbers stated, unless otherwise described.
Proofs take a variety of forms and represent the progress of the creation of the final stamp image. Die proofs can show the work of the engraver as it progress or final die proofs can show the finished engraving. Because die proofs are typically pulled from the actual original engraving, the impression quality is typically superior to that of the issued stamp. A "sunken" die proof has the die impression in an embossed area that "frames" it. Color proofs are usually "experiments" to determine which color(s) best present the image. In the case of multi-colored stamps, slightly changes in the combinations of colors can make dramatic differences in the final stamp image.
Monaco is one of the few "Slania countries" from which any form of proof material is available to collectors. Such material is completely legitimate, bearing an official control imprint, often being presented to government officials or other dignataries, or being sold on behalf of the postal museum. Proofs of Monaco Slania-engraved stamps are scarce and very much sought after. All items are VF and fresh. If you are seeking this type of material, please let me know of your interest; such items seldom make it into my price lists. I am always interested in buying such material.
Items marked "Reference" are shown for informational purposes only and have already been sold; please do not try to order them.
Scott #991-2 imperforate color plate proof set in nearly issued colors, including the gutter text. The 2.00 value has some minor color differences; the 4.00 value appears to be final colors. 1975 Princes issue. Remarkably scarce. Price is for the set of two proofs.
300.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
231540
Scott #991 imperforate color plate proof in black and blue. Single including the final gutter text. The blue color in this proof is in the place of all non-black colors making for a most unusual appearance. Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse as expected. 1975 Princes 2.00 issue. Remarkably scarce.
175.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
231541
Scott #992 imperforate color plate proof; appears to be in final colors, though the blue might be less greenish than the final stamp. Single including the final gutter text. Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse as expected. 1975 Princes 4.00 issue. Remarkably scarce.
175.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
203687
Scott #1035 imperforate color plate proof in brown with experimental background engraving in blue. The final issue of this stamp did not have background engraving. 1975 Princes issue. Truly experimental items such as this are quite scarce. This stamp issue is notable for the unusual engraving technique used by Slania; the portrait is mostly achieved using dots instead of lines.
175.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
231542
Scott #1035 imperforate color plate proof; with frame in final color, but denomination and portrait in red and with experimental all-over central yellow background (appears to be offset printed); makes for extremely unusual appearance. Truly experimental items such as this are quite scarce. Single including the final gutter text. Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse as expected. 1976 Princes 2.00 issue. Remarkably scarce. This stamp issue is notable for the unusual engraving technique used by Slania; the portrait is mostly achieved using dots instead of lines.
190.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204963
Scott #1036 imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of ten in experimental colors. The top row consists of background colors (which are engraved; the frame is an albino print), and four different bi-colored experiments. The bottom row consists of five different full color experiments with various color differences in the frame and text, denomination, and stamp and background colors. The gutter text is present. This sheet does not have the oval control imprints on the reverse. 1976 Princes 4.00 issue. This is only one of two Monaco stamp full proof sheets I have had (not counting a sheet of two souvenir sheets) and the only such full sheet with the gutter text present and the only such full sheet without the control imprint on reverse. A spectacular Slania item wonderfully demonstrating his art.
1400.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
231543
Scott #1036 imperforate color plate proof; in final colors. Single including the final gutter text. Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse as expected. 1976 Princes 4.00 issue. Remarkably scarce.
175.00
203666
Scott #1051 sunken die proof in deep blue, with colorless embossed seal, signed "Slania". 1977 Albert I from the Navigation issue (the only Slania stamp in the set). A stunning proof that really stands out.
425.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204961
Scott #1051 imperforate color plate proof in experimental color: brownish red. 1977 Albert I from the Navigation issue (the only Slania stamp in the set). The issued stamp color is bicolored, brownish red and black. Proofs of this issue are scarce.
130.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204962
Scott #1051 imperforate color plate proof strip of five in experimental colors: brownish red, brown, black, brownish red again, and bicolored in brownish red and black (appears to be final colors). 1977 Albert I from the Navigation issue (the only Slania stamp in the set). The issued stamp color is bicolored, brownish red and black. Proofs of this issue are scarce. This strip could be divided: the set of three single colors $425, the "extra" brownish red $130, and the bicolored proof $150.
Scott #1166 plate/color proof sheet of two, in brown and red. 1979 Prince Albert souvenir sheet issue. The issued souvenir sheet was green and red. This example is the only Slania-engraved Monaco souvenir sheet issue of which I can recall seeing a plate or color proof. [This item could be divided if it is not sold intact; please register your interest in that case.]
600.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204966
Scott #1187 imperforate color plate proof gutter block of four in experimental colors: The top two stamps are bicolored experiments, while the bottom two are full-colored experiments with various color differences in the frame and text, denomination, and stamp and background colors. The gutter text is present. The oval control marks usually on the reverse are absent. 1979 Princes 3.00 issue.
500.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
203688
Scott #1188 imperforate color plate proof in experimental colors. 1979 Princes issue.
140.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204967
Scott #1188 imperforate color plate proof gutter block of four in experimental colors: The top two stamps are bicolored experiments, while the bottom two are full-colored experiments with various color differences in the frame and text, denomination, and stamp and background colors. The gutter text is present. The oval control marks usually on the reverse are absent. 1979 Princes 4.00 issue.
500.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
203668
Scott #1302 sunken die proof in black, with colorless embossed seal, signed "Slania". 1981 Princes 3.00 issue.
300.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
203669
Scott #1302 sunken die proof in black, background design in mirror image, with colorless embossed seal, signed "Slania". 1981 Princes 3.00 issue. While I have previously seen an illustration of one such item (a different issue if I recall correctly) this is the first occasion I have had to actually see or own such an item.
300.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204968
Scott #1344 imperforate color plate proof gutter block of four in experimental colors: The left two stamps consist of a bicolored experiment and a red print, while the right two are full-colored experiments with various color differences in the frame and text, denomination, and stamp and background colors. The gutter text is absent. 1982 Clerissi Paintings 3.00 issue.
540.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204969
Scott #1345 imperforate color plate proof gutter block of four in experimental colors: The left two stamps consist of bicolored experiments, while the right two are full-colored experiments with various color differences in the background colors. The gutter text is absent. 1982 Clerissi Paintings 5.00 issue.
540.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204970
Scott #1345 imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of ten in experimental colors. The left column consists of background colors (which are engraved; the frame is an albino print), a red violet print without background color, and three different bi-colored experiments. The right column consists of five different full color experiments with various color differences in the background colors. The gutter text is absent. 1982 Clerissi Paintings 5.00 issue. This is only one of two Monaco stamp full proof sheets I have had (not counting a sheet of two souvenir sheets) and the only such full sheet without the gutter text present and the only such full sheet with the control imprints on reverse. A spectacular Slania item wonderfully demonstrating his art.
Scott #1385 imperforate color plate proof in experimental colors; red frame and foreground, blue background. 1983 Clerissi Paintings 3.00 issue.
130.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
203690
Scott #1385 imperforate color plate proof in nearly final colors; there are still small color differences. 1983 Clerissi Paintings 3.00 issue.
130.00
Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
204965
Scott #1386 imperforate color plate proof gutter block of six in experimental colors: The left column consists of background colors (which are engraved; the frame is an albino print), a black print, and a red/light olive bicolored experiment. The right column consists of three different full color experiments with various color differences in the frame and text, denomination, and stamp and background colors. The gutter text is absent. 1983 Clerissi Paintings 5.00 issue. This block could be divided into three gutter pairs; please register your interest if you would only be interested in that circumstance.