Netherlands – Scott #s B368-72, hinged

Description

This Netherlands semi-postal commemorative stamp set, Scott #B368–B372, issued in 1958, presents a unified series celebrating children, everyday life, and social welfare in the postwar Netherlands. As with many Dutch semi-postals of the period, each stamp includes a surcharge intended to support charitable programs focused on youth and community well-being.

The designs depict children engaged in simple, idealized activities such as play, cycling, caring for animals, and cooperative tasks. Figures are rendered in a gentle, illustrative style with clear outlines and balanced compositions, emphasizing innocence, cooperation, and social harmony. The imagery reflects mid-century European graphic sensibilities, combining realism with symbolic warmth.

Each stamp is printed in a distinct single-color palette, allowing the individual scenes to stand apart while maintaining visual unity across the set. The use of bold yet friendly colors enhances legibility and reinforces the optimistic tone of the series. The country name “NEDERLAND” and denominations are cleanly integrated into each design without overpowering the illustrations.

Issued in denominations of 4c+4c, 6c+4c, 8c+4c, 12c+9c, and 30c+9c, the stamps were intended for regular postal use while raising funds for social causes. This complete set is offered unused with original gum and hinge marks. Hinged sets remain desirable to collectors of Netherlands semi-postals, children and social themes, and mid-20th-century European stamp design.

Scott Catalog Numbers: B368–B372
Denominations: 4c+4c, 6c+4c, 8c+4c, 12c+9c, 30c+9c
Year of Issue: 1958
Condition: Unused, hinged
Country: Netherlands