170 Years Since the Introduction of Fiscal Stamps in the Principality of Moldavia

The opening of the documentary exhibition and round table took place on 12 January 2026 at the Chisinau City History Museum, Moldova. The project was initiated by the Union of Philatelists of the Republic of Moldova (UFRM), together with collector Francisc Ambruș, a member of UFRM.

The Round Table participants were Dr Silviu Andrieș-Tabac, historian and State Heraldist of the Republic of Moldova; Ioan-Luca Vlad, attorney to the Royal House of Romania; Francisc Ambruș, philatelist; Victoria Tănase, staff member of Poșta Moldovei; Dr Ana Boldureanu, historian and staff member of the National Museum of History of Moldova. The event was moderated by Andrei Adam, museographer at the Chisinau City History Museum and president of UFRM.

The event marked an important moment in the history of state administration: the introduction of the fiscal stamp in the Principality of Moldavia on 12 January 1856. The reform was initiated by Prince Grigore Alexandru Ghica. The new law ended the abuses of the previous system, in which taxes were collected arbitrarily by boyars and tax collectors, and introduced fiscal fairness, requiring both wealthy citizens and ordinary people to contribute according to clear rules. Through this reform, Moldavia aligned itself with contemporary European practices, and the fiscal stamp became an instrument of social justice, as well as an object of outstanding historical, documentary, and philatelic value.

The exhibition will remain open until 31 January.

Photo: Ioan-Luca Vlad (left), Francisc Ambruș, Ana Boldureanu, Silviu Andrieș-Tabac, Victoria Tănase, and Andrei Adam.
[photo credit: Chisinau City History Museum]

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