France – Scott #s 874-77

Description

Issued in 1959, this complete mint never hinged set (Scott #874–877) highlights France’s postwar reconstruction and modern urban planning through contemporary architectural views of four cities rebuilt or transformed after World War II. The designs emphasize clean lines, verticality, and civic scale, reflecting the optimism and functional modernism of the late 1950s.

The set features:
• Maubeuge (15f), showcasing rebuilt civic and residential structures
• Saint-Dié-des-Vosges (18f), associated with postwar urban redesign
• Le Havre (12f), rebuilt largely under Auguste Perret with reinforced concrete modernism
• Sète (25f), presenting modern waterfront development against a Mediterranean setting

Each stamp is finely engraved and printed in bold, contrasting colors, giving the set strong visual cohesion while allowing each city’s architectural identity to stand apart. Together, they form a compact survey of mid-century French urban renewal.

All four stamps are offered mint never hinged, with full original gum, clean margins, sharp perforations, and fresh, unfaded color throughout. An excellent set for collectors of France, modern architecture, urban planning, and postwar history.

• Country: France

• Year of Issue: 1959

• Scott Numbers: 874–877

• Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)

• Set Size: 4 stamps