What it is
When the Lateran Treaty of February 1929 created Vatican City as a sovereign state, the new postal service issued its first stamps in August of that year. The “Conciliazione” set comprises 13 values from 5 cents to 10 lire, plus a 2-lire and 2.50-lire express delivery (Espresso) pair. It is the foundation issue of all Vatican philately.
What drives value
A complete used set in fine condition retails around €350-600. A complete mint set with full original gum and clean perforations is €900-1,500. The 10 lire dark blue is the key value, often €250+ on its own in mint never-hinged condition. Imperforate proofs and trial colours from the same printing campaign reach four-figure prices when documented.
Authentication
Italian stamp expertisation — Diena, Raybaudi, Sorani — is the gold standard. Modern Vatican issues are sometimes confused with the 1929 set; the 1929 stamps use distinctive Pio XI portraits and Tertio Regni Iohannis Pauli papal arms. Avoid regummed examples; check gum under UV light for authenticity.
Storage
Hagner-style stockbook pages, archival mounts (Hawid or Showgard), low humidity, dark storage. Vatican gum is delicate and prone to toning if stored with acidic paper.
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About this collectible
The Vatican City 1929 "Conciliazione" Stamp Set — The First Issue is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.
How to identify this piece
Authentic specimens of the Vatican City 1929 "Conciliazione" Stamp Set — The First Issue are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.
Valuation context
Market value for the Vatican City 1929 "Conciliazione" Stamp Set — The First Issue depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.
Authentication signals
- Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
- Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
- Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
- Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I get an item like this authenticated?
For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.
Is the data on this page free?
Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.
How current is the valuation information?
Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.
Can I cite this page?
Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.
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