Nature Conservation Stamp Appraisal

Romanian 1970 European Nature Conservation Year Souvenir Sheet (Posta Romana)

This is a philatelic souvenir sheet issued by Posta Romana in 1970 to commemorate the 'European Nature Conservation Year' (Anul European al Ocrotirii Naturii). The sheet features a single perforated airmail stamp (Posta Aeriana) with a face value of 10 Lei, depicting two Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in mid-flight over a stylized wetland background. The stamp is printed using multi-colored photogravure, showcasing white, gray, black, and reddish-orange hues for the birds against a pale blue and green backdrop. The surrounding selvage is colored in a dusty blue with a darker green silhouette of reed-like vegetation in the bottom right corner. Notable text includes the event name at the top in Romanian, the scientific name of the bird species, and the artist's name 'E. PALADE' printed in the lower right margin of the stamp area. The sheet bears a distinct six-digit serial number '026293' printed in black ink in the lower left corner. The condition appears to be mint with original gum, though there is a visible horizontal fold line or crease running across the bottom quarter of the sheet, which significantly impacts the centering and physical integrity of the paper. This issue reflects the typical high-quality illustrative style of Eastern European commemorative stamps from the mid-20th century.