1976 Int'l Society of Postmasters The First coins Struck in Monaco Silver Medal

1976 MONACO – FIRST COINS STRUCK IN MONACO

Sterling Silver Proof Medal – Official First Day Cover – Franklin Mint
International Society of Postmasters – Limited Edition

Up for sale is the exact item shown in the photos – a stunning and historically important sterling silver proof medal issued in 1976 by the International Society of Postmasters, minted by The Franklin Mint, commemorating the first coins ever struck in Monaco, originally minted in 1640 during the reign of Honoré II.

This commemorative set includes a silver medal and a Monaco 0.80 franc stamp, both officially issued and postmarked on November 9, 1976, in Monte Carlo.

🔹 Features:

Obverse: A high-relief scene of a 17th-century coin minter seated at a bench, striking coins by hand with a hammer and die – symbolizing the process used to mint the original “Deux Gros” silver coins of 1640.

Reverse: Commemorative text in English and French honoring the first coins struck in Monaco.

Stamp: Monaco 0.80F stamp depicting both sides of the historic 1640 “Deux Gros” coin, featuring a bust of Prince Honoré II and Saint Dévote on the reverse. The coin includes the Latin inscription "Nos Ab Hoste Protege" (“Protect us from the enemy”).

Postmark: First Day cancellation dated 9–11–1976 from Monaco, with a coastal motif and "JOUR D'ÉMISSION" marking.

Condition: Proof strike – mirror-like finish with frosted detail. Includes original presentation folder, bilingual Certificate of Authenticity, and complete historical background insert.

🔍 Background:

This issue commemorates one of the earliest coins minted in Monaco’s history – a two-gros silver coin minted under Prince Honoré II, who received the Collar of the Golden Fleece from King Philip IV of Spain. The obverse of the coin bears the title "Honoré II, by the Grace of God, Prince of Monaco and Lord of Other Places", while the reverse honors Saint Dévote, Monaco’s patron saint.

The medal was sculpted by Clayton Blaker and minted by The Franklin Mint, capturing the hand-minting process in stunning detail.

🏅 Specifications:

• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)

• Weight: Approx. 20 grams

• Diameter: Approx. 39 mm

• Minted by: The Franklin Mint (USA)

🎯 Perfect for collectors interested in:

• Monegasque history and numismatics

• Early European coinage

• Royal and noble heraldry

• Commemorative philatelic collectibles

• Franklin Mint and ISP medallic art

📦 Ships securely with tracking.
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