France, Postage Due, 10 centimes, Chiffre-Taxe

France · 1882 · 10c

This stamp is a classic French postage due issue, known as a 'Chiffre-Taxe' (Numeral Tax). The design is purely functional, featuring the large numeral '10' for the denomination within an ornate, rectangular frame. The words 'CHIFFRE-TAXE' and 'PERCEVOIR' (to collect) are inscribed at the top and bottom, indicating its purpose to collect insufficient postage from the recipient.

Issued in the late 19th century, this type of stamp was a common and essential part of the postal system, ensuring that the postal service was properly compensated for underpaid mail.