The Louis Napoléon, President stamps of France, first issued in 1852, represent an important transition in French philately, marking a shift from allegorical figures to portraiture. These stamps feature the profile of Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, later Emperor Napoléon III, with the engraver’s initial “B” (J.J. Barre) prominently displayed below the bust. This iconic series serves as a reflection of both artistic craftsmanship and a politically charged era in French history.
This guide provides a comprehensive reference for both the 1852-1853 imperforate issues and their 1862 reprints, as detailed in the Stanley Gibbons catalogue.
Overview of the Louis Napoléon Stamps (1852-1862)
- Type: Imperforate
- Design: Portrait of Louis Napoléon Bonaparte
- Designer/Engraver: J.J. Barre
- Catalogue Numbers: SG 37–41
- Features: Engraver’s initial “B” below the bust
- Historical Era: Issued during Napoléon Bonaparte’s presidency
The 1852-1853 Imperforate Issues
These iconic issues were the first to feature a portrait of Louis Napoléon, symbolizing a shift in France’s political and cultural narrative:
- 10c Yellow-Bistre (SG 37)
- Release Date: December 12, 1852
- Valuation: £49,000 unused and £850 used.
- 10c Bistre-Brown/Yellowish (SG 37a)
- Release Date: 1853
- Valuation: £53,000 unused and £1,100 used.
- 25c Deep Dull Blue (SG 38)
- Release Date: September 9, 1852
- Valuation: £5,500 unused and £95 used.
- 25c Pale Blue (SG 39)
- Release Date: 1853
- Valuation: £4,500 unused and £55 used.
The 1862 Reprints
The 1862 reprints reflect the continued use of these iconic designs. Issued on September 1, 1862, these lighter-shaded reprints are as follows:
- 10c Dull Bistre (SG 40)
- Valuation: £900 unused.
- 25c Bright Blue (SG 41)
- Valuation: £650 unused.
Design and Historical Significance
The Louis Napoléon stamps embody the political transition in France following the 1848 Revolution. The inclusion of Napoléon Bonaparte’s portrait marked a shift from allegorical figures like Ceres to individual leaders, signifying his influence as a unifying figure during his presidency.
Key Features:
- Portrait: Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, later Napoléon III.
- Engraver’s Initial: “B” for J.J. Barre, engraved below the bust.
- Valuation Highlights: High values for the 10c Yellow-Bistre and 10c Bistre-Brown/Yellowish issues.
Collector’s Notes
- Valuation: Original imperforate issues are highly valued, especially unused examples of SG 37 and SG 37a, which are priced at £49,000 and £53,000, respectively.
- Reprint Identification: Lighter tones in the 1862 reprints distinguish them from the original issues.
- Condition Sensitivity: Preservation is critical, with unused examples commanding significantly higher prices.
Details and valuations are derived from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue. For an in-depth exploration, collectors are encouraged to consult the full catalogue.