Moldavian Bull's Head, 81 Parale

Romania · 1858 · 81 Parale

This stamp features the head of an aurochs (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 the denomination inscribed in Cyrillic script. It is part of the first series of stamps issued by the principality.

Issued by the Principality of Moldavia just before its union with Wallachia to form Romania, the 'Cap de Bour' (Bull's Head) stamps are legendary classics of European philately. They represent a key moment in the nation's journey towards independence and unification.