France 1849 20c Black on Yellowish, Ceres Issue

France · 1849 · 20c

This stamp features the head of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, facing left, designed by Jacques-Jean Barre. It is part of the first series of postage stamps issued by France, known as the Ceres series. The 20 centimes black on yellowish paper was the primary rate for domestic letters.

Issued by the Second Republic of France, this was one of the first postage stamps in the country, marking a major postal reform inspired by the British Penny Black.