Skip to content
Stamp Identifier

Stamp values

French stamp values: what your French stamps are worth

France has issued stamps since 1849, and French albums often mix 19th-century classics with large runs of Sower (Semeuse) and Marianne definitives. The classics carry most of the value, and their price depends on margins, color shade and the cancellation.

Short answer

Most French stamps from the 20th century, especially Sower and Marianne definitives, are worth cents. Ceres and Napoleon III issues from 1849 to the 1870s are often worth a few euros to several hundred. The 1849 1 franc vermilion is among the most valuable French stamps.

Check your stamp now

Take a photo of one stamp. The free app tells you the issue, the catalog number and a value range.

What most French stamps are worth

Sower, Peace and Marianne definitives were printed for decades in enormous numbers. They are useful for learning but rarely worth more than a few cents each. Modern unused French stamps sell close to face value for postage. Classic issues are different: shades, margins and numeral cancellations can multiply the price of the same design.

Valuable stamps to look for

  • 1849

    1 franc vermilion Ceres (1849)

    Issued briefly in a vermilion shade before the color was changed. Among the great French rarities.

  • 1849

    First Ceres issue (1849)

    France’s first stamps. Imperforate, so four clear margins matter a lot.

  • 1852

    Napoleon III issues (1852–1870)

    Many shades and printings. Most are affordable, a few varieties are expensive.

What to check before you price a stamp

  1. 1

    On imperforate classics, check that all four margins are clear of the design.

  2. 2

    Read the numeral cancellation (losange with small or large numbers). It identifies the post office and some are rare.

  3. 3

    Compare shades carefully. Yvert lists several colors of the same stamp at very different prices.

  4. 4

    Look for thins and repairs by holding the stamp against a light.

Questions about France stamps

Are old French stamps worth anything?

Classic stamps from 1849 to the 1870s usually are, depending on condition. Most 20th-century definitives are very common and worth little.

Is there a free online French stamp catalog?

Free databases such as Colnect list most French stamps with images. For prices, dealers still use the Yvert & Tellier catalog.

What is the most valuable French stamp?

The 1849 1 franc vermilion is one of the best known. Unused copies are very rare.

Find out what is in your album

Photograph a stamp, see what it is and what it is worth, and keep every stamp in one organized collection. Your first scans are free.

Download on theApp Store

For iPhone and iPad with iOS 16.6 or later.