France 1849 Ceres Issue, First Postage Stamp

Name: France 1849 Ceres Issue, First Postage Stamp
Brand: France

France · 1849 · 20c

This stamp features a profile of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, wearing a garland of wheat and grapes. As the first postage stamp of France, it marks a pivotal moment in the country's postal history. The design, created by Jacques-Jean Barre, is an iconic example of early classic philately.

Issued during the French Second Republic, the Ceres series replaced monarchical symbols with republican allegories, reflecting the political changes of the time.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

allegory mythology heads-of-state classic-stamps first-issue

Catalog Numbers

sg3

scott3

michel3

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$1,500

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$900

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$450

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$200

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$75

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