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Netherlands King William II Centenary Issue (Scott #101) 1913 - 20 Cent

1913 Netherlands 20 cent stamp featuring King Willem II in brown-orange, commemorating 100 years of independence. - view 1
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Estimated value

$15 - $45

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Stamps

Era

1913

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
4

NETHERLANDS KING WILLIAM II CENTENARY ISSUE (SCOTT #101) 1913 - 20 CENT: IDENTIFICATION

A 20-cent brown-orange postage stamp from the Netherlands, issued in 1913 to commemorate the centenary of independence. The central vignette features a profile of King Willem II, framed by an architectural border with stylized Dutch lions at the lower corners. The dates 1813-1913 are clearly engraved below the portrait. This issue was printed using the line engraving method on unwatermarked paper with a perforation gauge of 11.5 x 11.

Compare with other stamps in the archive: Belgian Congo, Queen Elisabeth Mask Issue (1928-1930) - 6 Francs, Belgium 1912 definitive series postage stamp, 10-centime carmine on blue frame, cancelled 'MONS S-GENERAL', Bosnia and Herzegovina 1906 1-Heller Town View Stamp with German Overprint.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Dutch Art Nouveau1890-1914

The geometric framing and lion motifs reflect the Nieuwe Kunst movement of the early 1900s.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Nationalist centenary celebrations where such philatelic items were sold as patriotic souvenirs.

Meaning Through Time

Post-Napoleonic

Willem II represented the stabilization of the Dutch monarchy and transition toward constitutionalism.

POSTAL HERITAGE

Released in November 1913, this series commemorated the 100th anniversary of the restoration of Dutch independence following the Napoleonic era. The set featured portraits of the three Dutch kings: Willem I, Willem II (as seen here), and Willem III, alongside the reigning Queen Wilhelmina. This ...
Released in November 1913, this series commemorated the 100th anniversary of the restoration of Dutch independence following the Napoleonic era. The set featured portraits of the three Dutch kings: Willem I, Willem II (as seen here), and Willem III, alongside the reigning Queen Wilhelmina. This specific 20c denomination depicts King William II, who reigned from 1840 to 1849. The design was heavily influenced by the 'Nieuwe Kunst' (Dutch Art Nouveau) style prevalent in the early 20th century.

PHILATELIC NOTES

1

This stamp is part of a 12-value commemorative set that was only valid for postage until December 31, 1914.

2

The 1913 Independence series was the first commemorative set issued by the Netherlands to depart from a single monarch's portrait.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 13 stamps items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Common issue with standard engraving characteristics
  • Paper age and ink depth consistent with early 20th-century Dutch production
How does authenticity detection work?

PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

Philatelist

Stamp Specialist

Identification is high due to clear textual markings and distinct design specific to the 1913 Centenary series. Uncertainty rests only on the gum condition and back of the stamp.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Inscriptions 'NEDERLAND', 'KONING WILLEM DE TWEEDE', and '1813-1913' identify the issue precisely.
  • 2Denomination '20 CENT' corresponds to Scott Catalog #101.
  • 3Brown-orange ink color is consistent with the standard 20c issue for this series.
  • 4Line engraving texture visible on the portrait bust.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Minor toning/foxing on the top perforations may reduce value for high-grade collectors.
  • •Back of the stamp is not visible to determine if it is Mint Never Hinged (MNH) or Hinged.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Check for a watermark (though this issue is typically unwatermarked).
  • →Examine the reverse for original gum (OG) or hinge remnants.
  • →Measure the perforation gauge to ensure it matches the 11.5 x 11 standard.

CONDITION & GRADE

Fine-Very Fine

Grading breakdown

Centering is slightly shifted toward the top-right. The perforations appear intact across all four sides, though some 'short perfs' are visible at the upper left.

Condition

The stamp appears used or mint-hinged with slightly irregular perforations at the top left corner. Natural aging of the paper is visible with minor foxing/toning spots on the upper perfs.

PHILATELIC VALUATION

$15 - $45

Updated: May 13, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Western European classics and specialists in Dutch philately.

What increases value

  • •Centering (well-centered examples command premiums)
  • •Gum condition (MNH vs LH)
  • •Absence of hinges or repairs

What lowers value

  • •Toning or 'tropicalization' spots
  • •Paper thins or creases
  • •Regummed back

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Perfectly symmetrical margins
  • •Vibrant orange color with zero foxing
  • •Certified MNH (Mint Never Hinged) status

Grade & condition

Centering quality, perforation integrity, and freshness of the paper.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar stamps objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User's claim of 'Minor wear' aligns with visible foxing on top perforations and age-appropriate centering issues.

FROM THE CABINET OF

GI

gijsinho
Wonderseeker•1 item

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