In June 2026, Mr. Ivan Metchev, FRPSL, received an official letter from Dr. Peter K. Petrov, Principal Scientist and Head of the Royce Technology Platform for Thin Film Device Materials at the Department of Materials, Imperial College London. The document confirms the completion of a scientific examination of the Bulgarian “Lion” postage stamps from 1879, as well as of specimens identified by Mr. Metchev as “Sofia” forgeries.

The letter states that the analysis was carried out using non-destructive Raman spectroscopy, with the aim of identifying the materials used in the production of the original stamps and the suspected forgeries. The colored inks, black inks, paper, and reverse gum were examined. The study was conducted in two laboratory sessions: on 29 May 2026 for the 5 centimes denomination, and on 8 June 2026 for the 50 centimes denomination.

The material provided for analysis included original 5 centimes stamps from the 1880 printing and 50 centimes stamps from the 1879 printing, as well as two specimens identified by Mr. Metchev as “Sofia” forgeries of the same denominations. The letter confirms that the examination was performed using HORIBA LabRAM HR Evolution laboratory equipment, employing a 532 nm laser and a 100× objective, with all measurements carried out without damaging the philatelic material.

The document serves as an official confirmation of the scientific study conducted and of the scope of the analyzed materials. The letter formalizes the information provided by Imperial College London regarding the laboratory procedures performed and the philatelic specimens examined.