Nederland – Netherlands 1981 – 2013 Struycken (Queen Beatrix)

Weight-step stamps

Over time, TNT Post closed post offices. Stamps were sold through retail outlets and became available only in multiples as sheetlets or cards of self-adhesive stamps. The decision to close all post offices was taken in 2008. By the end of 2011, all main post offices had closed their doors. The last post office closed on 14 November 2018. This last post office was in The Hague.

From 1 July 2010, TNT Post only issued stamps with a tariff indicator. These indicated the number of weight steps for which the stamp prepaid postage. Stamps existed for inland mail, European mail outside the Netherlands and Rest-of-World mail. The last two tariffs were replaced by a single international tariff in 2014. Standard Christmas mail attracts a lower tariff within a specified period leading up to Christmas.

Two stamps prepaying standard inland mail for weight steps 1 and 2 were added to the permanent series on 1 July 2010. Instead of the value €0,44 and €0,88, respectively, these showed a 1 or 2. To pay for any weight step, the sender must affix stamps that add to the number of the weight step. So, a standard letter in weight step 5 requires either five "1" stamps, three "1" and two "2" stamps, or one "1" and two "2" stamps. The price of a stamp equals its number times the basic tariff for the service.

The stamps were printed in gravure by Walsall Security Printers and issued in cards of ten stamps inscribed "1," and cards of five stamps inscribed "2." The tariff and "nederland" were printed in metallic ink, giving a more regal look to the stamps. The die-cut perforations of the stamp inscribed "1" had an elliptical perforation on each vertical side. The stamp inscribed "2" had no such elliptical perforation.


Struycken weight-step stamps

The first weight step was for standard-sized mail up to 20 grammes. The second weight step was for standard-sized mail up to 50 grammes. A similar system applies to international mail, but required stamps inscribed "EUROPA," or "WERELD," or from 2014 "internationaal." No "EUROPA" or "WERELD" stamp of the Struycken design was issued. Stamps denominated in euro remain valid.

H.M. Queen Beatrix announced she would abdicate in favour of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander, on 28 January 2013. Willem-Alexander was inaugurated as king on "Queen's Day," 30 April 2013.

I think your articles are fantastic and I save everyone of them.
Could you please place some kind of indication when a series is completed.
Thank you.

Thanks.

This one is complete (implied by the succession of King Willem-Alexander), as is the Crouwel one. Also the Irish symbols one is complete.

But let that not keep anyone from addding one's own stamps.

Firstlry, congratulations for your fantastic article.
Do you know how could I distinguish Netherland Beatrix stamp of 2.5G Value 1993 edition from 2001 edition?

The former comes from ordinary sheets and will show torn perforation tips. The self-adhesive stamp was die cut and has cut perforations. Theself-adhesive stamp, also is about 0.5 mm. wider and higher,