Lot 253755 – Romania Moldova 1858 Second Issue (“Bull’s Head”)

1858: 40 parale on thin bluish-grey wove paper, a used example with good to large margins all round, on 1858 entire letter to Galatz tied by bold strike of circular “JASSY / MOLDOVA” datestamp (3/11) in blue. The entire crossed to denote pre-payment in blue. An astonishingly early usage: the second Bull’s Head Issue was released on Saturday 1st November 1858, and this letter is clearly cancelled on the 3rd day of issue (technically the 2nd day as the Post Office was closed on the Sunday). Until recently this item was considered the earliest known usage, as the only example from the first day of use was considered lost. The stamp has a tiny worm hole through the ‘0’ of ’40’ at top otherwise fine and attractive, the second earliest usage of the stamp and a major Exhibition item. Ex George Matheescu-Sinaia. Pascanu Cert. (2008)