Syria (French Occupation): 5 Piastres on 40c "Merson"

This high-value provisional stamp features the French "Merson" design (named after the artist Luc-Olivier Merson), originally issued in a 40-centime red and pale blue format. It bears the black "T.E.O." (Territoires Ennemis Occupés) overprint for use under the French military administration in Syria. To meet the postal requirements of the time, it was surcharged to 5 Piastres. While the lower denominations in this series were typically surcharged in milliemes, the higher values used the piastre, reflecting the complex currency environment of the OETA (Occupied Enemy Territory Administration) before the official French Mandate was established.