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Moldova
First Issue of Moldova

First Moldovan Issue
Moldova's first stamps were imperforate and gumless.

Although Moldova declared its sovereignty in June of 1990, it did not issue its own stamps until June 23, 1991, when three stamps were released featuring the national coat of arms and flag. The nation's population consisted of 2/3 ethnic Romanians and 1/3 ethnic Russians. The minority Russian population in the Trans-Dniesteran Republic declared its independence from Moldova and issues its own stamps which are only valid for internal use. At the time of independence, Moldova was the most densely populated but also the least prosperous of the new countries asserting their independence. There is tension resulting from traditional economic ties with and energy dependence upon Russia and a desire to promote economic growth through closer links with the European Union.

Russian Definitives Overprinted in Roman Script

Soviet Union era definitives overprinted "Moldova" in Latin script

On August 31, 1992 Moldova issued a set of Soviet Union era definitives overprinted "Moldova" in Latin script. During Soviet times the Cyrillic alphabet had replaced the traditional Latin alphabet. Moldavian is replacing Russian as the official language. A stamp issued on August 10, 1992 commemorates Moldova's historical ties to Romania and the Roman Empire with its depiction of a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.

Romulus and Remus
Statue of she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.


Bibliography

Berkin, George. "Secession blues." National Review 9 Sep. 1991: 22+. General OneFile. Web. 11 Jan. 2014.

"Moldova." Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. 2005.

Lamb, Bob. "The Republic of Moldova." American Philatelist. Jan. 2014: 96.

Wright, David R. "Stamps of 14 'New' Countries" the Ex-USSR Republics Part 1." Gibbons Stamp Monthly. Jun. 2008: 84-89.


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