This classic Romanian stamp features a profile portrait of King Michael I, one of Europe’s youngest monarchs, who ruled during two separate periods before being forced to abdicate in December 1947. The stamp belongs to the King Michael definitive series, issued in the late 1940s, just before Romania became a people’s republic.

Printed by the Fabrica de Timbre (Stamp Factory) in Bucharest, it shows fine typography and clean shading typical of Romanian engravings of the era. The denomination of 480 Lei is inscribed to the right of the profile, and the word “ROMANIA” dominates the lower margin in bold serif letters.

A significant pre-Communist issue, it marks the end of the Romanian monarchy and is sought after for its historical symbolism and transitional period design.