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France 1849 1fr Vermilion Cérès Tête-Bêche Pair
very rarepre-1900

France 1849 1fr Vermilion Cérès Tête-Bêche Pair

France · 1849 · 1fr

This stamp features the head of Cérès, the Roman goddess of agriculture, representing the French Republic. The design, created by Jacques-Jean Barre, was the first postage stamp series issued by France. This particular item is a tête-bêche pair, where one stamp is printed upside-down relative to the other, a rare and sought-after printing variety.

Issued by the Second Republic of France, the Cérès series marked France's entry into the age of prepaid postage, following Great Britain's lead. The 1 franc vermilion was the highest denomination of the initial series.

Catalog Numbers

sg18a
scott9a
michel8bK

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150,000
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$120,000
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$90,000
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$60,000
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$25,000

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