Hi Judy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This is the 1953 40F Canoe Racing stamp, which depicts canoe racers in motion, emphasizing speed, athleticism, and modern sport. It reflects postwar Europe’s focus on recreation, health, and international competition, themes closely associated with events like the Olympic Games. Issued during a period when France regularly produced sports-themed stamps celebrating both national and global athletic culture.

It's generally affordable and widely collected, with value hinging closely on condition, centering and gum (if unused), and whether it's part of a complete set or first-day cover. It had a print run of more than 17 million.

While it's not considered rare, the stamp is notable as a snapshot of 1950s sporting enthusiasm and the role of postage stamps as miniature works of art promoting national identity and international sport.

This uncancelled stamp typical retails for between $1-10 dollars so if it were auctioned, I would expect the values to be between $4-6. It probably isn't worth going to the expense of having it graded.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia