France year 1878 stamp 30c Postage due

France year 1878 stamps 30c Postage due

France issued a series of postage due stamps (known as “taxe” stamps) between 1870 and 1880. These stamps were used to collect additional postage from the recipient when the original sender had not paid the full postage required. Here are some details about these stamps:

France Postage Due Stamps (1870-1880)

1. Design and Artwork:

• First Issue (1871):
  • Plain design with “T” for “taxe” and the denomination.
  • Simple and functional, intended to indicate the amount due clearly.
• Subsequent Issues:
  • More intricate designs featuring a frame, inscriptions, and the denomination.

2. Denominations:

• Common denominations included 1c, 2c, 4c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 30c, 40c, 50c, 60c, and higher values.
• These denominations corresponded to the amount of additional postage due.

3. Colors:

• Each denomination had a distinct color to make it easily identifiable.
• Colors varied across issues but typically included shades like black, brown, red, and green.

4. Purpose:

• Used to collect additional postage from recipients for underpaid mail.
• Helped the postal service recover the cost of delivering mail that was insufficiently prepaid.

5. Collectibility:

• These stamps are collected for their historical value and unique purpose.
• Condition, cancellations, and completeness of sets affect their value to collectors.
• Stamps on original covers with postage due markings are particularly prized.

6. Historical Context:

• The 1870s were a period of significant change in France, including the Franco-Prussian War and the establishment of the Third Republic.
• Postage due stamps reflect the evolving postal regulations and the need for efficient mail delivery systems.

Notable Series:

1. 1871 Series:
   • The first postage due stamps issued after the Franco-Prussian War.
   • Simple design featuring “T” and the denomination.
2. 1876 Series:
   • More ornate design with a frame and clear denomination.
   • Often in black with white numerals and inscriptions.
3. 1881 Series:
   • Continued the trend of ornate designs.
   • Incorporated elements like laurel wreaths and other decorative motifs.

Images and Identification

To better identify and appreciate these stamps, philatelists often refer to specialized catalogs and resources that provide detailed images and descriptions. These resources can help in distinguishing between the different issues and varieties.

Conclusion

French postage due stamps from 1870 to 1880 offer a fascinating glimpse into the postal history of the period. Collectors value these stamps for their historical significance, design, and the role they played in the postal system.

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