France, Napoleon III, 20 Centimes Blue
France · 1853 · 20c
This definitive stamp features a left-facing portrait of Emperor Napoleon III, the first President of France and its last monarch. The design is simple and elegant, with the denomination '20 C' below the bust and 'EMPIRE FRANC' inscribed above. This issue, known as the 'Empire' series, replaced the earlier 'Cérès' design following Napoleon III's ascension to Emperor.
Issued during the Second French Empire, this stamp was used for domestic letter postage. It represents a period of significant industrial and economic growth in France under Napoleon III's rule.
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
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