Netherlands New Guinea Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Netherlands New Guinea Stamps
Netherlands New Guinea, covering the western half of the island of New Guinea in Oceania, was administered as a Dutch colony until 1963. Its postal history is characterized by issues under Dutch authority, often featuring portraits of Dutch royalty or colonial administration themes, with inscriptions primarily in Dutch. The territory's stamps ceased upon its transfer to Indonesian control, marking a significant political transition in its postal record. This period reflects the final decades of Dutch colonial presence in the region before its integration into Indonesia.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Melanesia
- Issuing period:
- 1950 – 1962
- Languages:
- Dutch, Malay
- Currency:
- NLG
- Parent issuer:
- Netherlands
Stamp Catalogs
Netherlands New Guinea stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Netherlands New Guinea Stamp Series
Queen Juliana Definitive Series (1950-1958)
The first definitive series for Netherlands New Guinea, featuring portraits of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, often with local motifs.
Local Scenes and Fauna (1954-1962)
Various issues depicting indigenous wildlife, local landscapes, and cultural elements, highlighting the territory's unique identity.
New Guinea Council Inauguration (1961)
Commemorative stamps issued to mark the inauguration of the New Guinea Council, a step towards greater autonomy.
Netherlands New Guinea Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include specific varieties, errors, or high-value definitives, especially those in mint condition or on cover. Early issues and complete sets tend to hold more value.
How to Identify Netherlands New Guinea Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Netherlands New Guinea stamps:
- 1 Stamps are inscribed 'NEDERLANDS NIEUW GUINEA' or 'NED. NIEUW GUINEA'.
- 2 Many issues feature portraits of Dutch royalty (Queen Juliana) or colonial administration themes.
- 3 Designs often incorporate local flora, fauna, and indigenous cultural elements.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Netherlands New Guinea stamps?
Netherlands New Guinea stamps were issued for the Dutch colonial territory covering the western half of the island of New Guinea from 1950 to 1962. They reflect Dutch administration and local themes before the territory's transfer to Indonesia.
Are Netherlands New Guinea stamps valuable?
The value of Netherlands New Guinea stamps varies. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, rare varieties, errors, high-value definitives, or complete sets, especially in fine condition, can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars.
How can I identify Netherlands New Guinea stamps?
You can identify Netherlands New Guinea stamps by the inscription 'NEDERLANDS NIEUW GUINEA' or 'NED. NIEUW GUINEA'. Look for Dutch royal portraits, colonial administration themes, or local imagery. The issue dates fall between 1950 and 1962. For quick identification, use a stamp identifier app on your smartphone.
Which catalogs list Netherlands New Guinea stamps?
Netherlands New Guinea stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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