Romania — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Poșta Română (Romanian Post) is Romania’s state-owned national postal operator. Romania has one of Europe’s most historically rich philatelic traditions, with its first stamps — the famous Bull’s Head issues of Moldavia — dating to 1858, preceding Romanian unification. The stamps of Wallachia (1858) and Moldavia (1858) are among the rarest and most prized in European philately. Post-unification Romania, the royal kingdom, WWII-era Romania, Communist Romania (1947–1989), and the modern republic all represent distinct philatelic eras.

Notable Stamp Issues

The 1858 Moldavian Bull’s Head stamps are printed in blue, red, and green on handmade paper — crude but extraordinarily rare, with most known examples in major philatelic collections. The 1858 Wallachian issues followed. Unified Romania’s first stamps appeared in 1865. King Carol I and Carol II definitives are classic Balkan royal portraits. Communist-era Romanian stamps (1947–1989) produced many topically popular issues on wildlife, art, and sport. Modern Romanian stamps feature Dracula, medieval castles, and traditional culture.

Collecting Tips

Classic Romanian stamps from the principalities period (1858–1881) require specialist knowledge and expertisation — forgeries of the Bull’s Head issues exist. The Kessler catalogue covers classic Romanian issues. Romania’s Communist-era stamps are affordable and feature many attractive designs. Post-1989 democratic Romania has produced quality commemoratives. Transylvanian stamps from Hungarian administration are collected separately. Romanian postal history includes many occupation stamps from WWI.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.