Description: This vintage Dutch definitive postage stamp features a large, prominent central numeral "5" centered within a highly uniform decorative frame. The monochromatic composition is printed via photogravure in a vivid bright orange ink over an off-white woven paper background. The country name "NEDERLAND" is written in a stylized, custom serif typeface along the top border, while the currency unit "CENT" anchors the lower baseline. Flanking the main digit on the left and right sides are two intricate, vertical hand-drawn arabesques, each composed of two intertwined calligraphic loops that elegantly drop down directly from the letters "N" in the country title. The specimen is bordered by uniform comb perforations and is heavily canceled by a dark black town handstamp postmark that sweeps diagonally across the left side and top center.
Circa: While the earlier provisional unwatermarked variant emerged in late 1946, this watermarked 5-cent orange definitive stamp was officially introduced into active circulation on October 14, 1953. It functioned as an essential daily workhorse for standard domestic commercial postcards and bulk printed matter rates until it was finally demonetized on December 31, 1985.
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
This iconic style belongs to the celebrated "Van Krimpen" numeral series, named after its creator Jan van Krimpen, a world-famous Dutch typographer who hand-drew the framing scrollwork patterns at ten times the final stamp scale.