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Slania: Monaco: Proofs  
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 of the unfinished design ("stages") can show the work of the engraver as it progress, while the final die proof shows 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 experiments or trials 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.

Discussions with experts on proofs of Monaco and the "French area" have given me the following understanding...

Monaco die proofs were prepared in two types: "final" and "stage" (unfinished design). Typically about 19 final die proofs are prepared; of these more are black (typically 10) plus perhaps 3 each of 3 other colors. The die proofs are normally single color. Some examples, at least of the black, usually exist in private hands. The "stage" die proofs, at least as officially released (i.e. other than proofs prepared by the engraver to check on progress), typically exist at only a single stage of the engraving process; typically only 3 "stage" die proofs are prepared (and may or may not exist in private hands).

Plate/Color proof sheets were prepared of both the stamps issued in sheets of 10 (usually the larger-format stamps) and the sheets of 30 stamps. The sheets of 10 are typically printed on a 6-color press, while the sheets of 30 stamps are typically printed on a 3-color press. It appears that typically 13 different proof sheets were prepared; each of the 13 contains different colors and/or combinations of colors, thus each of the 13 sheets would typically look dramatically different. It seems that only ONE of each of these 13 proof sheets exists/existed in private hands (and many have been broken up over the years). The proof sheets of 10 stamps typically contain all-different colors or combinations of colors, thus each individual proof may be unique in private hands! The proof sheets of 30 stamps for single-color stamp issues typically repeat only the 3 single colors (they were printed on a 3-color press) and do not include color combinations; because of the 6-row by 5-column configuration and the way the colors are used, typically one color exists in 6 more examples than the other two colors. The proof sheets of 30 stamps for multi-color stamp issues typically contain 6 sets or 3-strips of 3 single colors, plus an additional 6 examples of one of the single colors, plus typically 6 2-color or 3-color combinations. Those particular color combinations thus typically appear to be unique in private hands.

Monaco is one of the few "Slania countries" from which any form of proof material is available to collectors. Such material is completely legitimate, usually bearing an official control imprint (some issues exist without the marking, but seem to be much scarcer in that form), often being presented to government officials or other dignitaries, 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. Please see subsequent pages...
While I hope that the items offered as the intact proof sheets will find new homes as intact sheets, it is quite possible that some of these sheets will be broken up. If you have an interest in any individual items or sets of items from any of the listed full sheets, please inform me immediately so that you will have highest possible priority on the waiting list.
Proofs  Shopping Cart: Review or Check Out   Top 
Item #
Quality & Description
IMAGES: Hover mouse pointer over image to determine if ACTUAL image of item OR a REPRESENTATIVE sample image of item.
Click for more information
US$ Never
Hinged

Never HingedNever Hinged
US$
235815
View REPRESENTATIVE Image
Scott #974 [1975 European Architectural Year; National Museum] Imperforate color plate proof single in single experimental color: brown. The brown color is very close to the brown used in the issued stamp. The stamps have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse. This stamp issue relates to a couple popular topics/thematics, including Europa.
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95.00

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232773
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Scott #1246 [1980 4.00 fr Prince Albert I] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 10 in experimental colors. In the "Princes" issue, the typical proof sheet arrangement consists of the first stamp in the top row showing the background colors (all the colors are engraved which again proves that Slania was a master), followed by four dramatic proofs showing combinations of foreground colors and (sometimes quite odd) partial background colors. The bottom row typically contains complete foreground and background color proofs, but with various, often subtle color combinations, especially in the color shades of the costumes and the colors of the text at top and bottom. Sometimes the text color differences are hard to see in a picture. Typically one of the bottom-row stamps looks very much like the issued stamp, though there are usually still small differences. Such proofs sheets are usually wonderful "riots of color" that showcase the skill of the master engraver, Slania. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, each of these proofs could be unique private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual). All ten stamps are different. Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in the $1500-1750 range.
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1300.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232774
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Scott #1247 [1980 4.00 fr Princess Marie Alice Heine] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 10 in experimental colors. In the "Princes" issue, the typical proof sheet arrangement consists of the first stamp in the top row showing the background colors (all the colors are engraved which again proves that Slania was a master), followed by four dramatic proofs showing combinations of foreground colors and (sometimes quite odd) partial background colors. The bottom row typically contains complete foreground and background color proofs, but with various, often subtle color combinations, especially in the color shades of the costumes and the colors of the text at top and bottom. Sometimes the text color differences are hard to see in a picture. Typically one of the bottom-row stamps looks very much like the issued stamp, though there are usually still small differences. Such proofs sheets are usually wonderful "riots of color" that showcase the skill of the master engraver, Slania. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, each of these proofs could be unique private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual). All ten stamps are different. Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in the $1500-1750 range.
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1300.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232754
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Scott #1338 [1981 Monaco Cathedral; Arms of Pope John Paul II and Monaco; commemorating the creation of the archbishopric of Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. The top four rows, except for the first stamp in the fourth row, are in single colors. The single-color four rows are, in order from top: carmine (RO205), olive brown (BR605), and olive green (VE513), followed by (except for first stamp in fourth row) carmine again. The stamps in the bottom (fifth) row, as well as the first stamp in the fourth row, are each different three-color combinations. The colors combinations of the many different design components all vary greatly, creating significantly different effects. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only six sets of the three single colors exist (plus five extra of the carmine) and the seven combinations are unique in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2950.
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2350.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232755
Scott #1410-17 [1984 0.05 - 6.00 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheets of 30 in experimental colors. The complete set of 8 sheets offered below, containing a total of 240 proofs (!!!) is at a 15% discount from the individual sheet prices, which are already priced approximately 20% below break-up value.

13800.00

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232756
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Scott #1410 [1984 0.05 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: red (RO210), green (VE515), and olive brown (BR605), followed by red again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the red) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). This particular design includes a street car on rails, a popular topical/thematic subject of great interest to railway collectors. Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500, plus the additional value coming thematic demand.
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2175.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232757
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Scott #1411 [1984 0.10 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: brown (BR607), bright green (VE509), and ultramarine (BL512), followed by brown again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the brown) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

1995.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232758
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Scott #1412 [1984 0.15 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: red brown (BR617), yellow brown (BR615), and brown (BR618), followed by red brown again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the red brown) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

1995.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232759
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Scott #1413 [1984 0.20 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: dark carmine (RO211), dark green (VE512), and bluish green (VE510), followed by dark carmine again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the dark carmine) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

1995.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232760
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Scott #1414 [1984 0.30 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: red brown (BR617), yellow brown (BR615), and violet (VT307), followed by red brown again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the red brown) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500. The ship/boats subject has additional topical/thematic appeal.
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2050.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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Proofs continued ...   Shopping Cart: Review or Check Out   Top 
Item #
Quality & Description
IMAGES: Hover mouse pointer over image to determine if ACTUAL image of item OR a REPRESENTATIVE sample image of item.
Click for more information
US$ Never
Hinged

Never HingedNever Hinged
US$
232761
View EXACT ACTUAL Image
Scott #1415 [1984 0.40 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: bluish green (BL413), ultramarine (BL408), and bright blue (BL404), followed by bluish green again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the bluish green) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500. The automobile subject has additional topical/thematic appeal.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

2050.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232762
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Scott #1416 [1984 3.00 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: purple (VT308), olive green (BR605), and carmine (RO211), followed by purple again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the purple) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

1995.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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232763
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Scott #1417 [1984 6.00 fr Clerissi Sketches of Old Monaco] imperforate color plate proof complete sheet of 30 in experimental colors. All stamps are in single colors; the issue was conceived as single-color stamps. The single-color columns are, in order from left: blue (BL405), ultramarine (BL408), and violet ultramarine (BL411), followed by blue again. The stamps in the right (fifth) column, twice sequentially repeat these three colors in reverse order. Based on my understanding that there is only one proof sheet of any particular "color set" in private hands, this means that only eight sets of the three single colors (plus six extra of the blue) exist in private hands. This sheet does not have the usual oval control imprints on the reverse (quite unusual without the marking). Based on long experience with Slania-engraved Monaco proofs, the break-up value is in excess of $2500.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

1995.00

[There is the possibility that this sheet may be broken up. If you would be interested in any item(s) from the sheet, please inform me immediately.]

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245701
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1985 Stamp Centenary Souvenir Card / Deluxe Proof. Scott #1500 Souvenir Card / Deluxe Proof for the Centenary of Monaco Stamps. The same central design issued as a normal perforated souvenir sheet, Scott #1500; an imperforate version on normal stamp paper also exists. However, this has an added line of engraved text in green at bottom right, "IMPRIMERIE des TIMBRES-POSTE _ FRANCE", and is printed on a white, heavier, ungummed card stock similar to that used for other Monaco souvenir cards. It is without watermark (some other souvenir card issues exist both with and without watermark, thus it is possible that a watermarked version of this may eventually be discovered). The text at the bottom includes the word "FRANCE" because Monaco stamps have been (perhaps with a few exceptions) printed by the French post office stamp printing works. I suspect that this item may have been a "gift" from the French printing works to the Monaco post office, but that is just conjecture. The printer imprint is typical of how the French printing works labels their so-called "deluxe proofs". The engraved impression on this special paper (which I believe was specifically used for proof impressions) is deep and rich, with tremendous detail and vibrant colors. My source for these, a long-time client and Slania collector, stated the he obtained them "way back" and that his source only referred to them "deluxe proofs". My understanding is that the collector had sold or traded away a very few (perhaps 5-10) over the years, but that he had never seen any other examples beyond his original acquisition. One thing is quite clear about this beautiful item: It is very scarce if so few -- just this one group -- have come to my attention in the 37 years since they were issued! My entire supply consists of only 15 examples -- and I have no expectation that I will ever be able to find any further examples. This is a "NEW SLANIA DISCOVERY" at least for me. I have to be very careful when I say "new discovery" because surely somebody, somewhere in the world, knew about this item. About 20 years ago I had heard a rumor that this item may exist, but to the best of my recollection, I had never seen an example until now. I cannot find any mention of this item in the literature or websites that I have checked. So, I can at least say this is a new item to me! I am surely going to regret offering these so inexpensively!
Click For Larger REPRESENTATIVE Image
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135.00

233415
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Scott #1607a-c [1987 Philatelic Bureau, three designs] Set of three matching sunken die proofs in Dark Brownish Maroon, with postal museum handstamp on reverse. This set of proofs is known, but seems to be extremely scarce. As of 2/10, I am aware of two other sets in private hands, but this is the only set I have ever seen.
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WANTED
Needed. Please make offer.

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239075
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Scott #C81 [1974 10.00 Rainier Airmail] Imperforate color plate proof single in orange. (The issued stamp was printed in deep violet.) Without a Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse; scarcer thus. Proofs of the airmail stamps seem to be much scarcer than those of commemoratives.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

110.00

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239076
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Scott #C81 [1974 10.00 Rainier Airmail] Imperforate color plate proof single in brown. (The issued stamp was printed in deep violet.) Without a Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse; scarcer thus. Proofs of the airmail stamps seem to be much scarcer than those of commemoratives.
Click For Larger EXACT ACTUAL Image

110.00

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239722
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Scott #C81 [1974 10.00 Rainier Airmail] Imperforate color plate proof in DEEP ULTRAMARINE. (The issued stamp was printed in deep violet.) Without a Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse; scarcer thus. Proofs of the airmail stamps seem to be much scarcer than those of commemoratives.
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110.00

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239723
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Scott #C81 [1974 10.00 Rainier Airmail] Imperforate color plate proof in CARMINE. (The issued stamp was printed in deep violet.) Without a Monaco Philatelic Museum handstamp on reverse; scarcer thus. Proofs of the airmail stamps seem to be much scarcer than those of commemoratives.
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110.00

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