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France Mont Saint-Michel (Scott #251) 1929 - 5fr Brown

1929 French 5-franc brown postage stamp depicting the Mont Saint-Michel abbey, used condition with a circular cancellation.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Common(3/10)

Category

Stamps

Brand

stamp

Era

1929-1933

Origin

France

Artist / Creator

Pierre-Marcel Pirel

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
10

FRANCE MONT SAINT-MICHEL (SCOTT #251) 1929 - 5FR BROWN: IDENTIFICATION

This is a 5-franc brown postage stamp from the 1929 definitive series of France, depicting the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The stamp is a recess-printed (intaglio) issue, featuring the 'RF' (République Française) monogram in the lower right and 'POSTES FRANCE' vertically along the left inner border. The design credit 'P. PIREL del' (Pierre-Marcel Pirel, designer) and 'A. MIGNON sc' (Abel Mignon, engraver) are clearly visible in the left margin. The stamp shows a circular date stamp (CDS) cancellation, indicating postal use.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

French Third Republic1870-1940

The use of national monuments on stamps served as a tool for cultural diplomacy and national identity.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Registered mail processing in early 20th-century Europe.

Meaning Through Time

1929

A high-value denomination representing significant purchasing power or international communication.

Modern

A common philatelic staple for collectors of French European history.

POSTAL HERITAGE

Issued in 1929, this high-value definitive was part of a series intended to showcase French national landmarks. It was printed by the Atelier de Fabrication des Timbres-Poste in Paris using the copper-plate engraving method. This specific 5-franc denomination was frequently used for registered ...
Issued in 1929, this high-value definitive was part of a series intended to showcase French national landmarks. It was printed by the Atelier de Fabrication des Timbres-Poste in Paris using the copper-plate engraving method. This specific 5-franc denomination was frequently used for registered mail and international heavy-letter rates during the interwar period, before being replaced by higher denominations as inflation rose in the 1930s.

PHILATELIC NOTES

1

The engraver Abel Mignon was a recipient of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1884, a prestigious scholarship for French artists.

2

This design was so popular that it was reused for overprinted issues in French colonies and remained in circulation in various colors for nearly a decade.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

    How does authenticity detection work?

    PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

    Philatelist

    Stamp Specialist

    The stamp is a highly recognizable French definitive with clear markings, though a physical perforation gauge check would be required to rule out scarcer sub-varieties.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Inscription '5fr' matches the 1929 color/value combination (Scott #251).

    CONDITION & GRADE

    Fine (Used)

    Grading breakdown

    Centering is uneven, with narrow margins on the top and left sides. The cancellation is light enough to leave the central design clear, but the lack of original gum (being used) and centering issues limit it to the 'Fine' grade.

    Condition

    The stamp is used with a partial circular date stamp. Centering is 'Fine' with the design shifted toward the left and top perforations. The perforation teeth appear intact, though the paper shows slight toning consistent with age.

    PHILATELIC VALUATION

    $1 - $5

    Updated: Sep 2, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

    How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

    What Aligned

    • User stated 'Minor wear' - aligns with the visible used condition and minor toning.
    • User stated 'Original/Authentic' - visual characteristics match 1929 French postal production.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    AE

    aegwym

    Wonderseeker•0 items

    COMMENTS

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