Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 6

1858 (July 21/Aug 2g): 81 parale blue on greyish blue wove paper, a magnificent unused example of rich colour with large even margins all round, merest scuff at top above "C" on the outer circle, trace of thin at top (due to under inking between "CK" lettering at top) and tiny spot at base and slightest horizontal bend from the original hinge otherwise a truly wonderful example. Illustrated in Heimbüchler "The Bull's Heads of Moldavia" on page 369, position 1. A great rarity in such fine condition with many of tthe known examples not as fine; just 37 examples of this stamp in unused condition are recorded, of which at least 5 are housed in museum collections. Signed Herbert Bloch. Certs. Albert Diena (1958), Friedl (1959), Cherata (2024) Gi 3 = £ 40'000/Scott 4 = $ 50'000/Mi = € 42'000.
Provenance: Billig & Rich auction, New York, June 1959. Sold to Gimbels Stamp Department and not on the philatelic market in the last 65 years.