Portugal Postage Due Stamp, Ceres Type

Portugal · 1904 · 10 Reis

This postage due stamp features the classic 'Ceres' design, an allegorical representation of the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility. The design, originally created for regular postage, was adapted for due stamps with a prominent numeral indicating the amount to be collected. The background is composed of fine, intricate lines.

Issued in the early 20th century during the final years of the Portuguese monarchy, these stamps were used to collect insufficient postage from the recipient of a letter. The Ceres design became an iconic and long-lasting motif in Portuguese philately.