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An exceptional classic Romanian philatelic multiple: a complete unused sheet of 40 of the 1864 6 Parale issue, preserved intact and accompanied by an original American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX) certificate.
The APEX Expert Committee examined this exact sheet and issued Certificate No. 156493, dated June 28, 2004, with the following opinion:
“Romania, Scott No. 20, 20a and 20b, in an unused sheet of 40, genuine, three minor thins and natural pinholes.”
The certificate therefore confirms both the authenticity of the complete sheet and the presence of the Scott-listed positional varieties represented within it.
The sheet
• Romania / United Principalities
• Issue: 1864 – 6 Parale
• Complete sheet of 40 stamps – 5 rows of 8
• Unused
• Scott 20, 20a and 20b
• Imperforate
• Original complete sheet format
• Includes the characteristic sideways cliché positions and tête-bêche configuration created by the unusual arrangement of the printing plate
• Expertized as genuine by APEX
One of the most interesting features of this issue is the unusual arrangement of the clichés in the original printing plate. The central portion of the sheet contains stamps printed sideways in relation to the normal positions, including the distinctive tête-bêche relationship represented by Scott 20a/20b varieties.
Consequently, the sheet is considerably more interesting philatelically than forty ordinary individual examples: it preserves the original plate configuration, allowing the positional relationships and printing varieties to be studied exactly as they were produced.
Historical context
This issue belongs to the formative period of Romanian postal history following the union of Moldavia and Wallachia and preceding the first issues bearing the name “POSTA ROMANA”.
The 6 Parale issue is part of the classic United Principalities / Principatele Unite period and represents an important stage in the development of the Romanian national postal service.
Complete sheets are especially attractive to specialists because they preserve evidence of the original printing arrangement that is lost when stamps are separated into singles or pairs.
Condition
Please examine the high-resolution photographs carefully.
The APEX certificate specifically records:
• three minor thins
• natural pinholes
These characteristics are fully disclosed and are reflected in the expert certificate.
The sheet remains complete, with all 40 positions intact.
The certificate itself contains a photograph of this exact sheet, providing direct identification between the expertized item and the sheet offered here.
Expertization
American Philatelic Society
American Philatelic Expertizing Service – APEX
Certificate No. 156493
Date: 28 June 2004
Opinion: GENUINE
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a certified, intact classic Romanian sheet containing several important Scott-listed positional varieties.
Suitable for an advanced collection of:
• Classic Romania
• United Principalities
• Romanian postal history
• Imperforate issues
• Tête-bêche varieties
• Printing and plating studies
• Classic European philately
The original APEX certificate shown in the photographs is included with the sheet.
The item pictured is the exact item the buyer will receive.
It will be carefully protected and shipped securely with tracking.
