Moldavian Bull's Head, 27 Parale

Romania · 1858 · 27 Parale

This iconic stamp features the head of an aurochs, or bull, the coat of arms of the Principality of Moldavia. The design includes a five-pointed star between the horns, a post horn below the head, and Cyrillic inscriptions indicating the value. It was hand-stamped on laid paper, making each example unique.

Issued by the Principality of Moldavia before its union with Wallachia to form Romania, this is the first postage stamp of the region. Its rarity is due to a very small printing run and the fact that the issue was withdrawn and most copies were destroyed shortly after its release.