Mercury Head Stamp Appraisal

French Mercury Head Stamp (Semeuse Type)

This appears to be a vintage French postage stamp, characterized by a predominantly blue-grey color palette with a textured, probably paper, material. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a bust of Mercury (Hermes in Greek mythology), typically associated with the Semeuse (Sower) type issues, although Semeuse stamps generally depict a female figure. In this specific image, the male head with a winged helmet strongly suggests Mercury. The figure is shown in profile or three-quarter view, looking towards the right side of the stamp. He holds a caduceus, identifiable by the two serpents entwined around a winged staff, in his left hand. The upper left corner bears the inscription 'R'PUBLIQUE FRAN'AISE' (Republic of France), though it is partially obscured and difficult to read clearly due to blurriness. Near the bottom, the word 'POSTES' is visible, indicating its function as a postal stamp. To the bottom right, the denomination '10C' (10 Centimes) is clearly legible. The stamp exhibits characteristic perforated edges, typical of postage stamps, though the edges appear somewhat worn or uneven in places. The overall condition suggests some age and handling, with possible slight discoloration on the margins. The printing quality, despite the image's resolution, indicates a fine engraving or lithography process typical of early to mid-20th-century postal issues. The exact date cannot be determined from the image alone, but the design style points to an early 20th-century origin, likely from the period when Mercury head designs were used in France, possibly between the 1920s and 1940s, or even earlier as a variant of the Sower series.