Romania. 1908. King Karl I Definitives. 3 L. Sepia / Black-brown. Perf 11.5 x 13.5. Mi 218. Probable Pre-printing Paper Fold. MH. S132

ROMANIA 1908 — Mi218 — 1 Leu Sepia / Black-Brown — King Carol I — Probable Pre-printing Paper Fold

IDENTIFICATION

Country: Romania
Year: 1908
Issue: King Carol I in Crowned Oval
MICHEL: Mi218 — CONFIRMED
Denomination: 1 Leu
Colour: Sepia / Black-brown
Printing: Recess-engraved (Stichtiefdruck)
Perforation: L11½ × 13½ — physically confirmed
Watermark: None

CONDITION

Status: Mint Hinged (MH)
Gum: Present, with hinge trace
Front: Attractive appearance with a prominent horizontal unprinted band crossing the portrait and frame
Reverse: Age-toned, with corresponding horizontal fold line and scattered surface marks
Perforations: Generally complete

SPECIALISED PRINTING ANOMALY

A pronounced horizontal unprinted band crosses the lower portion of the portrait and surrounding frame.

Physical examination confirms:

• Exposed unprinted paper within the affected area
• A corresponding horizontal paper-fold line
• Displacement of the printed design across the band

Classification: Probable Pre-printing Paper Fold.

The evidence strongly suggests that the paper was folded during printing. Manufacturing origin has not been independently authenticated. Not established as a MICHEL-listed variety.

VALUATION

MICHEL Ordinary Mi218 MH: €4
Estimated Market Value if genuine printing error: €10–25
AllCollect Working Value: €15 — provisional error valuation

COLLECTION ASSESSMENT

Collection Grade: Specialised Research Reference
Investment Grade: 2/5 — conditional
Research Potential: 4/5
Authentication Priority: Low–Medium

DECISION: KEEP — SPECIALISED RESEARCH COLLECTION

NOTE FOR FUTURE OWNERS

The catalogue identification MICHEL Mi218 is confirmed. The unusual horizontal unprinted band, displaced design and paper-fold line suggest a pre-printing paper fold.

Preserve this specimen separately from ordinary duplicates. The printing-error attribution and €15 valuation remain provisional pending expert confirmation.

Do not discard as a damaged duplicate without examining the anomaly.