France postage stamps year 1900 -1926 2 – 20 Francs Used

France postage stamps year 1900 -1926 2 – 20 Francs Used

That period (1900–1926) covers a very dynamic era in French philately, specifically encompassing the high-value definitive stamps used for heavy domestic, registered, and international mail.

The high-value stamps you are asking about, in the 2 Francs (F) to 20 Francs (F) range, belong primarily to the Type Merson series and the later definitive sets.

Here are the key high-value issues from this period:

🏛️ 1. Merson Definitive Issue (1900–1926)

This series is the most prominent for high-value denominations during the early 20th century. Designed by Luc-Olivier Merson, the stamps feature a beautiful allegorical design of a seated figure representing Peace and Commerce within an ornate classical frame, often printed in two colors.

Note on Varieties: Collectors of the Merson series look for numerous variations in printing (e.g., the 5F stamp was re-engraved, creating Type I and Type II differences).

🔬 2. Louis Pasteur Issue (1923–1926)

In the mid-1920s, a new set of definitive high values featuring the scientist Louis Pasteur was introduced, replacing the Merson design for some denominations.

💰 3. Provisional Surcharges (1926–1927)

Following the inflationary period after World War I, some earlier Merson stamps were surcharged with new, higher values to meet rapidly changing postal rates.

• A notable example is the 5 Francs Merson (Yvert #110) which was surcharged to create a 10 Francs value (Yvert #212).