The year 1852 marked a significant milestone in Dutch philatelic history with the issuance of the first postage stamps featuring King Willem III, who reigned from 1849 to 1890. These stamps were notable for their precision, detail, and enduring historical value, setting a high standard for future Dutch philatelic designs.
Overview of the 1852 Issue
The stamps, issued on January 1, 1852, consisted of three main denominations:
- 5 Cents (denoted as “5 C”)
- 10 Cents (“10 C”)
- 15 Cents (“15 C”)
Each stamp featured a portrait of King Willem III and was produced using a typographic printing method on paper bearing the “Posthorn” watermark (Wz. 1).
Variations and Values
The catalogue lists notable color variations and paper types for these stamps, each with distinct philatelic values:
5 Cents (MiNr. 1)
- Hellblau bis Dunkelblau (Light Blue to Dark Blue) – Valued at €500 (unused) and €35 (used).
- Graublau (Gray Blue) – €1,200 (unused) and €100 (used).
- Mattkobalt (Matte Cobalt) – €1,200 (unused) and €100 (used).
- Grünblau (Green Blue) – €1,200 (unused) and €100 (used).
- Hellblau (dünnes Papier) (Light Blue, Thin Paper) – €550 (unused) and €32 (used).
10 Cents (MiNr. 2)
- Rosakarmin bis Karmin (Rose Carmine to Carmine) – €850 (unused) and €25 (used).
- Dünnes Papier (Thin Paper) – €850 (unused) and €25 (used).
15 Cents (MiNr. 3)
- Gelborange bis Orange (Yellow-Orange to Orange) – €850 (unused) and €140 (used).
- Dunkelorange (Dark Orange) – €1,200 (unused) and €200 (used).
Notable Plate Characteristics
- MiNr. 2II features a horn over the eye (Plate VII), valued at €550 (unused) and €30 (used).
- MiNr. 2II also includes a retouched horn (Plate VIII), valued at €750 (unused) and €50 (used).
Reprints and Forgeries
A notable mention is the reprints produced by Moesman in 1895 from Plate IV of MiNr. 2. These private reprints were created in various colors and shades on cardboard-like paper without a watermark. Furthermore, standard reprints for the Dutch colonies were made in a lighter color on white paper, often featuring the word “NADRUK” on the reverse to indicate they were reprints.
Print Quantities
- MiNr. 1: 19,445,818 pieces.
- MiNr. 2: 15,876,612 pieces.
- MiNr. 3: 2,126,289 pieces.
Historical and Philatelic Importance
The 1852 issues are some of the most cherished and studied Dutch stamps, symbolizing the start of structured postal systems in the Netherlands. Their intricate designs, variations, and historical significance make them essential for any serious philatelist.
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