This pair of French Indochina definitive stamps, issued in January 1919, belongs to the celebrated “Women of Indochina” series designed by Jules-Jacques Puyplat. Printed by the Imperial Printing Office in Paris using typography, the stamps feature the profile of a young woman in traditional attire, accompanied by intricate ornamentation including a dragon motif. Originally denominated in 4/5 and 5 centimes, both stamps were later surcharged in black with updated cent values: the brown 4/5c was overprinted “2½ CENTS” and the green 5c with “2 CENTS”, reflecting changing postal rates and currency use in the colony. These overprints served a practical role during a period of monetary adjustment in French Indochina. With no watermark and standard perforation 14 x 13½, these stamps represent a transitional moment in colonial philately where aesthetics met administrative necessity. Listed under Scott 66 & 68, Michel 73 & 75, Yvert 73 & 75, and SG 89 & 91, they remain attractive for their blend of cultural portrayal and utilitarian adaptation. Both examples are postally used with light cancellations and intact perforation.
Estimate: "$25 – 40"