A foundational stamp from the French Mandate in the Levant, this issue features the classic allegorical Type Blanc design overprinted with “GRAND LIBAN” and a revalued denomination of 10 centimes in bold black type. The underlying design, created by Joseph Blanc and Emile Thomas, presents a winged allegory of Justice holding scales and a sword, symbolizing France’s civilizing mission. Originally printed for metropolitan France, the stamp was reissued for use in Lebanon following the League of Nations mandate in 1920 and the formal establishment of the Grand Liban postal system in 1924.
This example, with sharp color and clean typographic surcharge, represents the very first regular issue of Lebanese postal history under French administration. It is catalogued as Michel LB 1, Scott LB 1, Yvert FR-LB 1, and Stanley Gibbons LB 1.
A key item for collectors of Middle Eastern colonial issues, transitional postal authorities, or overprinted classics of the interwar period.
Condition: Mint no gum (MNG), well-centered, strong overprint, excellent perforations.
Estimate: "$25 – 40"