Netherlands Europa Cycling Stamp on First Day Cover

Name: Netherlands Europa Cycling Stamp on First Day Cover
Brand: cajavanderwoude
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Netherlands Europa cycling stamp on a 1988 Flevolijn First Day Cover - view 1

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

This is a philatelic item, specifically a First Day Cover (FDC) from the Netherlands. It features a postage stamp from the 'Europa' series, depicting a scene viewed through a rearview mirror, with two individuals cycling. The stamp has a denomination of '75c' and 'Nederland' printed at the top. The FDC envelope itself carries a special cancellation mark related to 'Flevolijn voltooid 28 Mei '88' (Flevolijn completed May 28, 1988), indicated by a train graphic, and a decorative cachet on the left side of the envelope featuring a train and a map, celebrating the completion of the Flevolijn railway line.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Philately (stamp collecting)19th Century - Present

The practice of collecting stamps and First Day Covers has a long history, with collectors often specializing in specific countries, themes (like Europa issues), or historical events.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The ritual of collecting and preserving First Day Covers marks the official release of a postage stamp, serving as a philatelic historical record.
•For collectors, displaying or organizing FDCs is a common practice, reflecting the aesthetic and historical value placed on these items.

Meaning Through Time

Early 20th Century

Postage stamps were primarily functional, representing payment for postal services, with design often reflecting national symbols or important figures.

Mid-20th Century to Present

Stamps increasingly became miniature works of art and tools for national branding, commemorating events, and celebrating culture, leading to their widespread collection by enthusiasts.

HISTORICAL STORY

The Europa series of stamps is an annual issuance by European postal administrations, often focusing on a common theme to promote European cooperation and culture. The Flevolijn railway line's completion in 1988 was a significant infrastructure event in the Netherlands, connecting new polders and ...

DID YOU KNOW?

The Europa stamp series usually features a common theme chosen by PostEurop, an association of European public postal operators, making it a popular theme for collectors across the continent.

First Day Covers are highly valued by philatelists not just for the stamp, but also for the special cancellation marks and cachets that provide a unique historical snapshot of an event or issue date.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The stamp has a matte finish typical of postage stamps, with perforations along the edges. The envelope is made of standard paper, likely matte or slightly satin, showing ink cancels and a printed cachet.

Weight & Feel

Lightweight, consistent with a standard paper envelope and a single postage stamp.

Condition

The item appears to be in very good condition, with the stamp well-adhered and the cancellation mark clear. There are no obvious creases, tears, or significant discoloration visible on the envelope or stamp, suggesting it has been preserved by a collector.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

ESTIMATED VALUE

$5 - $20

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, High = patient seller

For informational purposes only—not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

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

What Aligned

The user-provided 'Artist/Maker/Brand: Flevolijn 1988' aligns with the FDC's cachet and cancellation mark, which clearly commemorate the 'Flevolijn voltooid 28 Mei '88' event.
The user-provided 'Origin/Language: Nederland' aligns with the 'Nederland' text visible on the stamp and the Dutch language used in the cancellation mark.
The user-provided 'Time Period: 1988' aligns perfectly with the '28 Mei '88' date visible on the cancellation mark.