The Second French Empire was an Imperial Bonapartist regime of Napoleon III that lasted from 14 January 1852 to 27 October 1870. In July 1870, Napoleon III reluctantly declared war on Prussia after pressure from the general public. The French Army was rapidly defeated and Napoleon III was captured at Sedan. He was swiftly dethroned and the Third Republic was proclaimed in Paris. On 11 October 1870 new stamps featuring Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, were issued. Except for details, the design is the same as the first issue from 1849, but the stamps were perforated. Three series of Ceres-stamps were issued in the period from 1870 until 1872. Todays stamp is the 20 centimes from the first issue with a CV of 3-400 € for a mint copy.