This 1907 issue from the French post offices in China is based on the “Type Mouchon” design, a typographic depiction of the seated allegorical figure of the French Republic holding the Droits de l’Homme tablet. The original value of 10 centimes in rose has here been overprinted in black with a new bilingual denomination “4 CENTS” and its Chinese equivalent (仙 四), in response to the adaptation of the French colonial postal system to local Chinese currency standards. Additionally, the overprint “CHINE” along the bottom margin identifies the territorial jurisdiction of the stamp, which was used broadly across French-operated postal stations in China. Measuring 20 x 24 mm and perforated 14 x 13½, the stamp was printed typographically on cream-colored paper. The present example is postally used, bearing a circular date stamp over the portrait. The reverse shows a paper hinge remnant and an additional rectangular adhesive strip, possibly from archival storage or prior mounting. The colors on the front remain vibrant, and the overprint is sharply applied. This issue is listed as Michel FR-CH 32I, Scott FR-CH 58, Yvert et Tellier FR-CH 76, and Stanley Gibbons FR-CH 77. It stands as a key piece from the transitional era when colonial authorities navigated dual-currency systems and multi-lingual postal infrastructure in the waning years of the Qing dynasty.
Estimate "$45 – 60"