The Ceres stamps of France, first issued in 1849, represent the dawn of French philately. These stamps, engraved by J.J. Barre, feature the Roman goddess Ceres, symbolizing agriculture and prosperity. Their timeless design and historical significance make them a cornerstone of any French philatelic collection.
This guide provides a comprehensive reference to the Ceres issues, derived from Stanley Gibbons catalogue data, catering to both novice and seasoned collectors.
Overview of the Ceres Stamps (1849-1862)
- Type: Imperforate
- Design: Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture
- Designer/Engraver: J.J. Barre
- Catalogue Numbers: SG 1–36 (and varieties)
- Gum: Yellow gum (1849 issues)
- Paper Varieties: Coloured surfaces, buff paper, etc.
The 1849-1852 Issues (Yellow Gum)
These early issues showcase the iconic image of Ceres with various colour and paper varieties:
- 10c Yellowish bistre/yellow (SG 1): Valued at £2750 unused and £425 used.
- 10c Greenish bistre (SG 2): Issued in 1851, priced at £4500 unused and £650 used.
- 10c Brownish bistre (SG 3): Released in 1852, catalogued at £3250 unused and £475 used.
- 15c Green/bluish green (SG 4): Issued in 1849, catalogued at £29000 unused and £1300 used.
- 15c Deep green (SG 5): From 1852, valued at £30000 unused and £1600 used.
- 20c Black/yellowish (SG 6): From 1849, priced at £600 unused and £65 used.
- 20c Black/white (SG 7): Issued in 1849, valued at £700 unused and £95 used.
- 20c Grey-black (SG 8): Catalogued at £2500 unused and £650 used.
- 20c Black/buff (SG 9): Printed on colored paper in 1850, valued at £1400 unused and £250 used.
- 25c Greenish blue/yellowish (SG 10): Issued in 1849, catalogued at £8500 unused and used.
- 25c Deep blue (SG 11): From 1851, priced at £8500 unused and used.
- 25c Pale blue (SG 12): Issued in 1851, valued at £8500 unused and used.
- 25c Dull blue (SG 13): Released in 1852, catalogued at £8500 unused and used.
- 40c Orange (SG 14): Issued in 1850, valued at £5500 unused and £700 used.
- 40c Red-orange (SG 15): From 1851, priced at £7000 unused and £750 used.
- 1f Orange-vermilion (SG 16): Valued at £127000 unused and £26000 used.
- 1f Orange-brown (SG 17): Catalogued at £29000 unused and £4400 used.
- 1f Carmine-brown (SG 18): Priced at £39000 unused and £17000 used.
- 1f Carmine (SG 19): Valued at £160000 unused and £12000 used.
Special Varieties and Notable Features
40c Orange (Variety with Wider ‘4’)
A rare and highly sought-after variety, the 40c Orange with a wider figure ‘4’ (SG 20) is priced at £38000 unused and £9500 used. It appears on positions 146 and 147 in the right-hand pane of 150 stamps and was caused by the re-engraving of two clichés of the 20c stamp.
Tête-Bêche Varieties
The tête-bêche pairs of Ceres stamps are prized by collectors:
- 10c Bistre: Valued at £13300 unused and £26000 used.
- 15c Green: Priced at £15000 (on entire).
- 20c Black: Catalogued at £15000 unused and £9500 used.
- 25c Blue: Valued at £23300 unused and £19000 used.
- 1f Vermilion: Priced at £112200 unused and £252000 used.
- 1f Carmine: Catalogued at £331000 unused and £360000 used.
Prepared for Use but Not Issued
- 20c Dull Blue (SG 27): Issued in June 1850, priced at £5000 unused and £118000 for tête-bêche pairs.
- 25c Surcharged in Red on 20c Blue (SG 28): Rare and valuable, often paired with SG 27. Examples lack the ‘c’ below the value and bars.
Reprints for Postage (1862)
Reprints issued between September 1-9, 1862, are distinguishable by their lighter shades and lack of gum tone:
- 10c Bistre (SG 29): Valued at £800 unused.
- 15c Green (SG 30): Priced at £1000 unused.
- 20c Black/toned (SG 31): Valued at £600 unused.
- 25c Blue (SG 32): Priced at £700 unused.
- 40c Pale Orange (SG 33): Catalogued at £950 unused.
- 1f Bright Carmine (SG 34): Valued at £1000 unused.
- 20c Blue (SG 35): Priced at £700 unused.
- 25c on 20c Blue Surcharge (SG 36): Catalogued at £28000 unused.
Additional Notes for Collectors
- ‘Vervelle’ Variety (SG 16): Stamps from printer’s remnants are lighter in shade due to the absence of gum. Priced at £33000 unused.
- Bisected Stamps: Some 40c stamps were bisected and used as 20c stamps (e.g., sent from Le Cheylard in March 1855).
This guide offers a detailed overview of the Ceres stamps while respecting the proprietary rights of Stanley Gibbons. For further exploration, collectors are encouraged to consult the full Stanley Gibbons catalogue for deeper insights and more varieties. Whether you’re starting your collection or expanding it, the Ceres stamps remain a fascinating and valuable part of philatelic history.