CPS Resource Centre
Monaco 20100424 mini-sheet
On May 24, 2010, the Stamp Issuing Office of the Principality of Monaco issued a 4,00€ mini-sheet showing a map of the former fiefs of the House of Grimaldi with four 1,00€ stamps showing castles set around the map. Information on the web site describes the history surrounding the sheet. Until the French Revolution, the Princes of Monaco were in possession of substantial fiefs in the French territory. The enjoyment of these Lordships originate, on the one hand, from the Treaty of Peronne, signed in 1641 with France and, on the other, from the alliance of the Sovereign House with two large French families: the Goyon-Matignon family and the Aumont-Mazarin family. In 1777, the son of Honoré III, Prince of Monaco, married Louise d’Aumont, descendant of the niece of the Cardinal of Mazarin and heiress, in particular, of the earldoms of Ferrette, Thann and Rosemont and of the barony of Altkirch. The map is detailed, show what appear to be present day roads and cities. The location of each castle is shown by an arrow to the city on the map. The coat of arms of Monaco is shown in the upper right corner of the sheet.
