To mark the centenary of a leading organisation in the international philatelic field, Romfilatelia and the Romanian Post introduced into circulation on Thursday, February 26, 2026 the postage stamp issue entitled International Federation of Philately, 100 years.
A World Philatelic Premiere: the Smallest Stamp
The issue — one postage stamp, one perforated souvenir sheet, a First Day Cover in Liliput size (130 × 90 mm) and a philatelic folder with special products in a limited run — marks a world philatelic premiere: the world's smallest stamp.
What's Inside the Issue
The postage stamp, with the face value of Lei 9, is a concept by designer George Ursachi and reproduces in miniature the 27-parale stamp from Romania's First issue — the "Cap de Bour" (Bull's Head).
The souvenir sheet, carrying a stamp with the face value of Lei 30, was designed by Tudor Banuș — painter, engraver, book illustrator and graduate in architecture. It pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the FIP and, indirectly, to the remarkable instrument that connects people to one another through the post: the letter. The logo of the International Federation of Philately and that of the Romanian Philatelic Federation are inserted on the souvenir sheet.
The philatelic folder contains two pieces of great philatelic interest, in limited, numbered editions:
- an imperforated block of four stamps with tête-bêche, miniature reproductions of the first Romanian stamp, the "Bull's Head" — First issue, 27 parale;
- a block adapting the frontispiece of the 1859 unionist newspaper "Zimbrulu and Vulturulu", displaying a strip of five miniature stamps of the anniversary issue, replicas of the "Cap de Bour" 27-parale stamp, and a strip of four stamps of the anniversary issue. The piece recalls the most expensive philatelic piece sold at auction — the Gazette cancelled with eight 5-parale "Porto Gazetei" stamps from 1858.
Supplementary technical details of the "International Federation of Philately, 100 years" issue.
About the International Federation of Philately
Founded in Paris on June 18, 1926, the International Federation of Philately (FIP) is the world's leading organisation which coordinates and promotes philately — the collecting and study of stamps and postal materials. Established to promote philately, foster international friendship and organise major competitive exhibitions, FIP evolved from an initially European structure into a worldwide network. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, FIP brings together more than 90 national member federations worldwide.
The fundamental objectives of the FIP include:
- promoting philately worldwide;
- organising international exhibitions and granting its patronage thereto;
- establishing judging regulations and standards (GREX, GREV);
- encouraging philatelic research and specialised literature;
- supporting young philatelists through the development of the Youth Class.
Competition Classes and Judging
The FIP recognises the following competition classes: Traditional Philately, Postal History, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic Philately, Open Class, Maximaphily, Revenue Philately, Postcards, Philatelic Literature and Youth. Judging follows FIP regulations, with distinctions including medals (Grand Gold, Gold, Large Vermeil, etc.) as well as special prizes.
At the international level, FIP establishes rules for evaluating exhibits, coordinates relations among national philatelic organisations, combats illegal stamp issues and counterfeiting in cooperation with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and encourages cultural exchange. In 1990, together with the UPU, it helped establish the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP).
A Century of Exhibitions in 2026
The anniversary year is marked by a series of world-class exhibitions, including:
- the Specialized World Exhibition DUBAI 2026 (February 4–8);
- the General World Exhibition BOSTON 2026 (May 23–30);
- the Specialized World Exhibition MACAO 2026 (June 26 – July 1);
- the World Stamp Championship (WSC) PHILATAIPEI 2026 Specialized Exhibition (November 20–25).
The Romanian Records Museum
Within the Romanian Records Museum in Bucharest, materials produced on the occasion of philatelic exhibitions under the patronage of FIP are presented — the first being organised in Algiers in 1930. The Museum's collection, unique in the world, includes over 13,000 pieces: bulletins, catalogues, award lists, envelopes, stamps and postmarks, medals, plaques, badges and everything produced by the national organising committees and participating federations.
Technical Specifications
| Issuer | Romfilatelia & the Romanian Post |
| Issue Date | 26 February 2026 |
| Occasion | Centenary of the International Federation of Philately (1926–2026) |
| Postage Stamp Value | Lei 9 — miniature of the 1858 "Bull's Head" (Cap de Bour), 27 parale (designer George Ursachi) |
| Souvenir Sheet | Lei 30 — designed by Tudor Banuș |
| First Day Cover | Liliput size, 130 × 90 mm |
| World Premiere | World's smallest stamp — 7.5 × 9 mm |
| World Record | Guinness World Record, achieved 23 May 2026, Bucharest |
| FIP Founded | 18 June 1926, Paris — HQ in Zurich, 90+ member federations |
Verify the Record
The world's smallest postage stamp is officially listed by Guinness World Records at 7.5 × 9 millimetres (0.29 × 0.35 inches), achieved by Romfilatelia S.A. in Bucharest, Romania, on 23 May 2026, reproducing the historic Romanian "Bull's Head" stamp design in miniature. See the record: Smallest postage stamp — Guinness World Records.
Source: Romfilatelia (romfilatelia.ro) · Guinness World Records
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