Luxembourg - Travel/Philately/Numismatics/Memorabilia Profile

Luxembourg, a landlocked country in Western Europe bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany has a total land area of 998.6 square miles and a population of over 500,000. Luxembourg holds the laurels for having the world's highest GDP per capita. The rapid growth in the past decades in the financial sector has superseded all its other sectors. It is the second largest investment fund center, the center for private banking and reinsurance companies in the Euro-zone. The other sectors of its economy are agriculture, steel, food processing, chemicals and engineering.

Travel Resources: 

June through August is the best time to enjoy this country. The major attractions of this place are the Chateau of the Counts of Luxembourg, the Casemates (labyrinth), the Valley of the Seven Castles located along the Eisch River, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the several museums located in the capital, and its vineyards.

Resource	ISBN or ASIN	Best Price	Description
Luxembourg Bradt Travel Guide	978-1841622576	$21	Maps and descriptions of hotels and restaurants are standouts. Background and practical information sections for travelers followed by sections on Luxembourg City, Around Luxembourg City, The Industrial South, The Moselle Valley, The Mullerthal, and The Ardennes.
Michelin Map Belgium Luxembourg	978-2067123007	$10	1:350,000 Scale. City Maps of Bruxelles, Liege, Luxembourg, and Antwerpen with driving times and distances.
Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City	978-0781810326	$18	Excellent general introduction to the microstates of Europe. Part 1 is general and economic information on the microstates in about 140 pages followed by around 25 pages each on each micro-state.
Luxembourg Grounded Adapter Plug – GUB	B001FDA5VU	$8

Philatelic Profile:

The first stamps of Luxembourg were a set of three stamps released on September 15, 1852 showing a head portrait of Grand Duke William III. The set (Scott #1 to #3) catalogs for around $6K Mint and around $270 used. The King of Netherlands was the Head of State as the Grand Duke of Luxembourg during the period till 1890 when the personal union with Netherlands was in effect. The issue was a followed by a number of sets in the Coat of Arms theme during the period till 1882. Luxembourg released a long set of twelve stamps in the Industry and Commerce theme on December 1, 1882. The set (Scott #48 to #59) catalogs for around $260 mint and $280 used. The design shows an allegory representing Industry and Commerce.

Luxembourg released a souvenir sheet and a stamp in 1923 to mark the Birth of Princess Elisabeth. The stamp (Scott #152) released in March of that year catalogs for around $7 mint and $12 used. The souvenir sheet (Scott #151) released on January 3rd is rare and catalogs for over $1000 mint and close to $1800 used. The design shows a view of the city of Luxembourg. Princess Elisabeth was the daughter of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma.

Other issues of Luxembourg enjoying good philatelic interest include:

1. A set of six stamps released on October 25, 1951 to promote a united Europe. The set (Scott #272 to #277) catalogs for around $200 MNH and around $75 used. The designs show allegory representing Agriculture and Industry, allegory representing Globe and Scales, People of Europe and Charter of Freedom. Luxembourg became a founding member of United Nations in 1946 following World War II. During the war, Luxembourg was invaded by Nazi Germany and the government in exile based in London fought for the Allies.
2. A set of eleven stamps released on April 13, 1963 to mark the millennium of the city of Luxembourg. The set (Scott #389 to #399) is remarkably inexpensive cataloging for just $5 MNH or used considering the fact that the set was sold only at the Philatelic Exhibition in Luxembourg that year only for a week. The designs show Bock Rock Castle, Gate of Three Towers, Benedictine Abbey, Great Seal of Luxembourg, Rham Towers, Black Virgin, Grand Ducal Palace, The Citadel of the Holy Ghost, Castle Bridge, Town Hall, and Municipal theater, bridge and European Community Center.
3. A set of four stamps released on March 9, 1987 in the Wildlife conservation theme. The set (Scott #763 to #766) catalogs for around $5 MNH and $3 Used. The designs show garden dormouse, banded demoiselle, white-throated dipper, and the fire salamander.
4. A set of three stamps released on March 18, 2003 in the Tourism theme. The set (Scott #1107 to #1109) catalogs for around $10 MNH or used. The designs show Fontaine Marie Convent of Differdange, Castle of Mamer, Saint Joseph Church, and Esch-sur-Alzette. Luxembourg has released a few other sets in the tourism theme over the years and that forms a good collectible theme.

Numismatic Profile:

The first coins of Luxembourg were medieval Hamm coinage from the 14th century (Sigismund of Luxembourg). In the modern era, Grand Duchy Standard Coinage (100 Centimes = 1 Franc) resumed in 1854 with the introduction of Bronze Centimes. The issue has relatively high mintage (640K) but still catalogs well over $100 for UNC. Luxembourg has released a number of gold coins over the years with low mintage and they catalog at a good premium over bullion value.

Numismatic items of Luxembourg include:

Item	Price Range	Description
Coins	$1 and up	Common UNCs from the 1980s onward start around $1. Recent High Values in UNC start around $10. Silver coins from the 1940s and 1950s start around $40. Low Mintage High Value Commemorative Silver Proofs from the 2000s, Early Silver Essais, and Gold Coins go well into the 100s.
Paper Money	$3 and up	Common UNCs starts around $3. Issues from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s in VF start around $10. High Values from the 60s and 70s in UNC, and Rare Dates start around $50. Low Serial Numbers, Scarce Specimens, etc go well into the 100s.

Collectible Memorabilia:

Wine and arts are the main souvenirs of the place.

Resource	Price Range	Description
Art	$10 and up	19th century local scenes prints. Original historical photos from the early 20th century start around $40. Works by Vadim Bokleff, Fanch Ledan, etc start around $100.
Antiques	$10 and up	Vintage early 20th century maps start around $10. 19th century souvenir spoons and 18th century and prior maps start around $30. 19th century and prior Sterling Silver utensils and other silverware start around $100.
Pottery and Glass	$10 and up	Villery and Boch creamers, cup and saucers, etc start around $10. Porcelain pitchers, salad plates etc start around $25. Lalique crystal pieces start in the 100s.
Miscellaneous Collectibles	$5 and up	Vintage cigarette packs, license plates, badges, etc start around $5. Villeroy and Boch trinkets, Collector plates, 19th century street scenes postcards, etc start around $30. Faberge Footed Vases, Order Commander Medals, etc start in the 100s.

Last Updated: 12/2015.