Fouad I Stamp Appraisal

Egyptian Postage Stamp (Fouad I)

This item is a historical postage stamp from Egypt, featuring a commemorative portrait of a ruler, likely King Fouad I or a similar figure from the early 20th century, given the style of dress and the discernible text. The stamp is rectangular in shape and appears to be made of paper, typical for postage stamps of its era. The primary colors seem to be shades of grey, black, and white, indicating a monochromatic or duotone printing. The central image is an oval portrait of a man wearing a fez and what appears to be a military or formal uniform with numerous medals or insignia. He has a mustache and a direct gaze. The word "EGYPTE" is clearly visible at the top, signifying its country of origin. On the left side, the text "POSTES" is arranged vertically, confirming its function as a postal item. The denomination is indicated in the bottom left corner as "20 M" (or "ZO M"), suggesting "20 Milliemes," a former currency unit in Egypt. An equivalent denomination, possibly in Arabic numerals, is present in the bottom right corner. The stamp shows signs of age, including some blurring in the print, minor discoloration of the paper, and slight wear around the edges, consistent with a used or uncirculated stamp from decades past. The perforation along the edges, although somewhat faint, indicates that it was separated from a sheet. The overall craftsmanship suggests a standard production method for postage stamps of the period.