France Sower with Sun, Red Cross Surcharge

Name: France Sower with Sun, Red Cross Surcharge
Brand: France

France · 1914 · 10c + 5c

This semi-postal stamp features the iconic 'Sower' design by Oscar Roty, a symbol of French agriculture and national identity. A red cross and a '5c' surcharge were overprinted on the existing 10 centimes stamp to raise funds for the French Red Cross to support war relief efforts at the beginning of World War I.

Issued just months after the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, this was France's first semi-postal stamp, establishing a model for using postage to fund charitable and patriotic causes during wartime.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

world-war-i red-cross allegory sower charity

Catalog Numbers

sg371

scottB1

michel145

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$10

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$0.5

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.