French Sower Red Cross Semi-Postal

France · 1914 · 10c + 5c

The stamp features the allegorical figure of the Sower (Semeuse) in profile, walking left, scattering seeds. A red cross symbol is prominently displayed, indicating the surcharge for the Red Cross.

Issued in 1914 at the beginning of World War I, this was France's first semi-postal stamp, with the surcharge benefiting the Red Cross for war relief efforts.