Romania year 2005 Architecture – University Library in Bucharest postage stamp

Romania year 2005 Architecture – University Library in Bucharest postage stamp MNH**

In 2005, Romania (through Romfilatelia) issued a special stamp and souvenir sheet to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the “Carol I” Central University Library in Bucharest.

The library is a masterpiece of French Neoclassical architecture, designed by architect Paul Gottereau and inaugurated in 1895.

Stamp Details (Scott #4764)

The issue is most commonly collected as a souvenir sheet containing two stamps, but it was also released in other formats.

• Issue Date: March 14, 2005
• Scott Number: #4764 (individual stamp) or #4764a (souvenir sheet)
• Michel Number: Block #365 (individual stamps Mi #5998–5999)
• Denominations: * 1.20 Lei (RON): Features a detailed view of the library facade and the statue of King Carol I.
  • 3.10 Lei (RON): Shows a different perspective of the building’s iconic dome and neoclassical elements.

Design & Significance

• The Architecture: The stamps depict the grand exterior of the library, emphasizing its Corinthian columns and symmetry. This building famously suffered heavy damage and fire during the 1989 Romanian Revolution but was meticulously restored in the 1990s.
• The Anniversary: The year 2005 marked 110 years since the original opening of the “Carol I University Foundation” library.
• Visual Style: The stamps use a multi-color photographic style that highlights the warm stone of the building against the Bucharest skyline.

Collector Value

This is a very popular issue for “Libraries on Stamps” or “Architecture” topical collectors.

• Mint Never Hinged (MNH): Roughly $1.50 – $3.00 for the souvenir sheet.
• Used: Approximately $0.75 – $1.50.
• Full Sheets: You can occasionally find these in larger decorative sheets of 8 or 9 stamps, which are valued slightly higher by specialists (around $10 – $15).

Note: Because Romania revalued its currency (the Leu) in July 2005, you may see these stamps with denominations that look high (like 12,000 and 31,000 “old” Lei) or the “new” denominations (1.20 and 3.10 Lei). Both refer to the same 2005 anniversary issue.