Belgium 'L'espagnol' Inverted Medallion

Belgium · 1866 · 5c

This stamp features a portrait of King Leopold I in a central medallion, framed by an ornate design. It is famous for being an error stamp where the central portrait, printed in a separate pass, was inverted relative to the frame. The nickname 'L'espagnol' (The Spaniard) is said to have originated from a collector who thought the upside-down king resembled a Spanish grandee.

Issued during the reign of King Leopold I, this stamp is part of the second definitive series of Belgium. Printing errors like this were rare but highlight the multi-stage printing processes of the 19th century.