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Romanian Postmark Day: The "Cap de Bour" stamp opened the history of national philatelytranslated

July 15, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 15, the National Postage Stamp Day is celebrated, an event that commemorates the issuance of the first stamp, "Cap de Bour".

According to Radio Romania Cultural, the date was chosen to mark the appearance in 1858 of the first postage stamp, which over time became a symbol of the national philatelic heritage.

The "Cap de Bour" issue was made at the "Atelia Timbrului" Printing House in Iași, during Nicolae Vogoride's caimacamie, according to an Austrian model and with the help of steel molds. The stamps had values of 27, 54, 81 and 108 parallels and were printed in different mintages.

Although it bears the date of July 15, 1858, the stamps were actually put into circulation a week later, on July 22, through the post office in Iași. Starting on August 8, they also arrived at the other post offices in Moldova, but their use was short-lived, being withdrawn from circulation on October 31, 1858.

A symbol of Moldova The choice of the bour head for the first Romanian postage stamp recalls the historical coat of arms of Moldova and was linked to the legend of the founding of the voivodeship by Dragoș Vodă.

Almost five centuries after its consecration as...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (5) 🌐 Show original

Софья Смирнова

It is interesting that they were printed in Iasi, and put into circulation only a week later, on July 22. And already in August we went all over Moldova. It's a shame that it was removed from circulation so quickly in October. I have a couple of these “Cap de Bourg” lying around in an old album from my grandfather, now I’ll look at them differently.

Григорий Голубев

Yes, they printed it in Iasi, but only put it into circulation on the 22nd - probably while they were gluing it up and delivering it to post offices. I only have a couple of late Moldavian ones in my collection; I didn’t have a chance to get hold of “Cap de Bourg”. What denominations do you have in your album?

Валентина Соловьёва

Yes, they did everything quickly in Iasi, and then sent it throughout Moldova. It’s a pity that they took it off already in October - probably because new brands arrived. What denominations do you have in your album from your grandfather, 27 or 54 parales?

Екатерина Иванова

Yes, in Iasi they managed it really quickly, and then throughout Moldova. I only have 27 and 81 parales left from my grandfather, 54 was lost somewhere in childhood. Do you still have anything from this series in your collection?

Полина Павлова

Yes, in Iasi everything really went quickly, and then they sent it all over Moldova. I only have 54 parale from this series left intact in the album; my grandfather kept it separately in an envelope. How do your 27 and 81 look, are they very worn or in good condition?