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Romania 1865 'L'espagnol' Error of Color
legendarypre-1900

Romania 1865 'L'espagnol' Error of Color

Romania · 1865 · 20 Parale

This stamp features a portrait of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first ruler of the United Principalities of Romania. It is a famous error of color, printed in blue instead of the intended carmine-rose of the regular issue. The nickname 'L'espagnol' (The Spaniard) is thought to derive from the stamp's resemblance to the 1851 Spanish issue featuring Queen Isabella II.

Issued during the early years of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia under Prince Cuza, this stamp represents a key period of Romanian nation-building before the establishment of the Kingdom of Romania.

Printing Method

Lithography

Catalog Numbers

scott20a
michel18 I F

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$100,000
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$85,000
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$70,000
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$50,000
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$25,000

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.