Netherlands Curacao stamps Set year 1947 Overprint NIWIN Mint never hinged The set of Netherlands Curacao stamps from 1947 with the NIWIN overprint is a notable issue in the postal history of the former Dutch colony. 1. The Stamps in the Set The set consists of three stamps from the existing definitive series that were officially overprinted and issued on December 1, 1947. Catalogue Numbers: In the Netherlands-based NVPH (Nederlandse Vereniging van Postzegelhandelaren) specialized catalog, the set is listed as NVPH 182-184. 2. The Overprint: NIWIN The overprint “NIWIN” stands for Nederlandsch-Indische Wetenschappelijke Instelling (Netherlands Indies Scientific Institution) or later, Nederlandsch Indische Wederopbouw (Netherlands Indies Reconstruction/Rehabilitation). This was a fundraising issue, and the proceeds from the surcharge (the amount over the stamps’ postal value) were intended to support the reconstruction and welfare of war victims in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) following World War II. 3. Design and Value The NIWIN overprint was applied to three different stamps, which typically show the portrait of Queen Wilhelmina. The stamps in the set are generally: NVPH No.DenominationBase Stamp Color1823 Cent 3 CentOrange-Yellow18312.5 Cent 12.5 CentBrown-Red18430 Cent 30 CentBlue-Green Note: As with all stamps, the actual price is dependent on the specific market, the seller, and the stamps’ exact condition, with a mint never hinged set in perfect condition commanding the highest price.
