Moldavian Bull's Head, 27 Parale

Romania · 1858 · 27 Parale

This stamp features the head of an aurochs (a type of wild 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 printed by hand on laid paper, resulting in significant variations.

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 Its rarity is due to a very small printing run and the fact that most were destroyed after being withdrawn from use just a few months after issue.