Syria (French Occupation): 4m on 15c "Sower"

This is a French definitive stamp featuring the iconic "Sower" (La Semeuse) design by Oscar Roty, which was overprinted for use by the French military administration in Syria. The black "T.E.O." initials signify Territoires Ennemis Occupés, used before the formalization of the French Mandate. Because the local postal rates were based on the Egyptian millieme at the time, the original 15-centime value has been surcharged with a new value of 4 Milliemes. This specific green issue is a key piece of the first provisional set issued to replace Ottoman postage in the region immediately following the end of World War I.