France 1938 Mercury Type Stamp, 50 centimes

France · 1938 · 50c

This definitive stamp features an Art Deco depiction of the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods, designed by Georges-Léo Degorce. The design, known as the 'Type Mercure', symbolizes commerce and communication, key aspects of the postal service. It was a long-running series used for various postal rates in France.

Issued in the late Third Republic era, this stamp was part of a widely used definitive series preceding the turmoil of World War II. The modern, stylized design reflected the artistic trends of the period.