Romania 'Princeps' Issue, Carol I

Romania · 1865 · 20 parale

This stamp, known as the 'Princeps' issue, features a right-facing portrait of Domnitor Carol I. The design is framed by an ornate oval with the country name 'POSTA ROMANA' at the top and the denomination '20 PARALE' at the bottom. This was the first issue to depict the ruling monarch of Romania.

Issued in 1865, this stamp marks the beginning of Carol I's long reign, which saw Romania gain full independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877 and become a kingdom in 1881.