Opened in Fontvieille thirty years ago, this legendary museum is offering a unique journey through the history of Monaco. If you think in terms of the treasures it is keeping, it is a kind of a safe. Perched on the Fontvieille Terrasses, next to Espace Léo Ferré, the Stamp and Coin Museum is home to Monaco princely collections.
This discreet institution is yet most definitely well known to philatelists and numismatists from all around the world. Founded by Sovereign Ordinance of Prince Rainier III in 1995, this year it is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. The Museum specifically doesn’t have any openings except for the entrance hall. This is to ensure optimal protection for the stamps very sensitive to UV rays, differences in temperature and humidity. Some of them are very precious indeed. The collection of the Princes of Monaco is one of the most beautiful in the world. Prince Rainier III pursued a policy of enriching it permanently through the purchase of top-tier, unique specimens. For his contribution to promoting philately, he was awarded the “International Philately Grand Prix” by ASCAT (International Association of Publishers of Postage Stamp Catalogues and Philatelic Publications) in 1996. Until his very last days, Prince Rainier was also taking personal care of all the fabrication stages for each stamp or coin issued in the Principality. He was the one to choose the subject and colour for the stamps, engravings and metals for the coins.
The very first Monegasque stamps were created in 1885 by Prince Charles III who was keen to assert his sovereignty. Fabrication and exclusive use of Monaco postage stamps on the Principality’s territory were among his special requests granted by the French authorities. The first series of ten featured Prince Charles III’s portrait. These rare stamps may now be admired alongside the other ones issued over time, some of them internationally acclaimed for their artistic quality, beauty and finesse of execution.
As to the first coins, they go back much earlier in time. Created by Prince Honoré II in 1640, they are exhibited alongside the other coins discovered in Monaco in the 19th century. Nowadays, “Monaco Euros” are circulating throughout all the Euro zone. The Principality has its annual quota, same conditions applying to all the Euro zone members. European monetary rules specify the minting of both common and collector’s coins. The Museum has some of these rare species on display, exhibited in two copies, to feature both heads and tails.
Trade secrets
Interestingly, the museum is exhibiting not just stamps and coins (medals, tokens and piedforts), but also manufacturing machines and tools. In particular, a large stamp printing press and large coin weights are part of the collection. Used in 1837–1838, they belonged to the mint house hosted by the Princely Palace back in the day.
The museum also highlights a three-colour intaglio rotary press, used to print most of the Monegasque, but also French postage stamps. An official stamp printing house based in Paris and Boulazac is in charge of carrying out the French and Monaco philatelic program.
Commissioned in 1937, the press is perfectly maintained and still operational. Repaired in 1990, it was donated to the Stamp and Coin Museum by the French Postal Administration in 1995. Specialized displays showcase a reconstructed 1950’s Stamp Emission counter, old commemorative date stamps and various stamp fabrication tools.
Interestingly, the museum is also exhibiting materials still used to make coins and engraver’s tools for printing patterns, legends and dates.
Two exceptional specimens may be found here. A 19th century cutter, by artist Gengembre, was used to cut sheets of metal, producing the “blanks”. A “lion’s head” pendulum, a long-term loan by the Paris Mint, is equally remarkable. Designed by one of the best engravers of his time, Jean-Pierre Droz, this machine was used for striking medals.
As you may see, this museum is well worth a little detour on the Fontvieille side. Delve into the Principality’s history, discovering its little-known treasures.
Monaco Stamps and Coins Museum
11 Terraces de Fontvieille
98000 Monaco
