uncommonpre-1900

Cérès, 20 centimes black

Name: Cérès, 20 centimes black
Brand: France

France · 1849 · 20c

This stamp features a profile of Cérès, the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, symbolizing the French Republic. The design, created by Jacques-Jean Barre, is framed by grapevines and wheat, further emphasizing agricultural abundance. It is one of the first two postage stamps ever issued by France.

Issued in 1849 during the Second Republic, this stamp represents a shift from monarchy to republican ideals, replacing royal portraits with allegorical figures. It marks France's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

allegory mythology goddess head-of-state

Catalog Numbers

sg3

scott3

michel3

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$75

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$40

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$15

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