Stamps -> Europe -> France and Colonies
Collectors of stamps that also enjoy history are commonly drawn to French stamps for many different reasons. These are unique items that often depict the struggle for freedom, and the French stamps from the colonies are considered to be very valuable as well as rich in history. If you have never seen a French stamp before, or you are completely new to collecting them, there are a few things you should know.
1. What year is the stamp?
This can have a very big impact on its overall worth. For example, French stamps from the 1800’s are considered to be very rare and will usually depict revolutionary scenes. The Marianne is probably the most popular stamp of this time and although they are not easy to find, if you do see one in good condition, this is the perfect stamp to collect. While there are Marianne’s available from many different eras, the earliest ones are considered to be the most valuable.
Pay special attention to the date of the stamp and if you can’t find it, you may want to ask the seller for more information about them. Typically, the older French stamps will be a little worn or used, and you can generally tell by the vibrancy in color or lack thereof how old the stamp is.
2. Is it an actual French Stamp or a Colony Stamp?
This can have a big impact on the overall value of the stamp. While some collectors prefer to stick the mainland when collecting French stamps, others prefer the colonial versions. Take a look at both and see which one will strike your fancy. Some of the colony stamps are worth a great deal more than regular stamps, but there is no general rule. Rare stamps are always valuable, especially if they are in good condition.
In the later part of the 1800’s the colony stamps would typically have Cerese on the front or the Emperor Napolean III. For the very rare stamps, look for the ones that were produced between the periods of 1859 and 1865. These are hard to find, and will usually have an Eagle and a Crown.
3. How good is the overall condition?
When it comes to figuring out how much a French stamp is actually work, this is usually the deciding factor. Look first for the ones that were never used, since they will typically have the highest value. Next, look for French stamps that were used, but are still in fantastic condition. Stamps with tears or rips are generally worth much less overall and should only be collected by those that aren’t terribly considered about value and are more interested in the history behind the stamp.
Ideally, a French stamp should be in near perfect to good condition, and will still contain the original adhesive or gum. Stamps that have hinges are also considered to be good investments, provided that the hinge is still intact. You can start your search for French stamps online and find some truly remarkable deals.
Originally posted 2008-08-28 14:00:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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