Monaco 1955 Jules Verne set has broad appeal

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a prolific French author. He wrote adventure novels, often with a scientific or futuristic background. He is regularly acclaimed as one of the fathers of science fiction, alongside English author H.G. Wells.

Verne is the most translated French author and the second-most translated author in the world after English mystery writer Agatha Christie. His works have been the basis for 201 movies and television shows. Among his most famous fictional characters known the world over are Captain Nemo and Phileas Fogg.

His works often anticipated science and technical advancements such as submarines, space travel, armored tanks and air travel. Stamps featuring Verne and his works are popular with Jules Verne, science fiction, and literary arts topical collectors.

The stamps of the Principality of Monaco have high design and production values and are generally known for their great eye appeal. On June 7, 1955, Monaco issued a set of 10 postage stamps and one airmail stamp (Scott 340-349 and C45) for the 50th anniversary of the death of Verne.

Novels represented in the stamp designs include Five Weeks in a Balloon, A Floating City, Michael Strogoff, Around the World in 80 Days, The House of Vapors, The 500 Millions of the Begum, The Magnificent Orinoco, A Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and From the Earth to the Moon.

The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue values the set of 10 postage stamps and one airmail stamp at $37.80 in mint, never-hinged condition, with most of the value, $25, in the 200-franc airmail stamp.

This set has great eye appeal. In addition to the engraved designs and bright colors, it also features a diamond-shaped stamp and a trapezoidal-shaped stamp. This popular set is not hard to find in mint, never-hinged condition, and it is a good buy at around $20 to $25.

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