The Netherlands is one of 11 countries which has adopted the euro, and the introduction of the new euro currency makes participation in the euro-zone much more concrete. However, each country will maintain its own postage stamps, which are only valid in that country. The three stamps issued to celebrate the introduction of the euro clearly show the Netherlands own special identity. The stamps show a typical Dutch polder landscape. The Priority stamp for Europe shows the Dutch coast at Zandvoort and a characteristic Dutch herring stall. The Priority stamp for countries outside Europe shows Amsterdam’s Java Island with cyclists in the foreground. There are several recurring elements linking the stamps: water, the distinctive overcast sky, the flat horizon and sea-level features. The Dutch flag is used as an equal sign (=). The left-hand side of the stamps show the currency abbreviations for all countries that will be introducing the euro currency on 1 January 2002.
 

Size 36 x 25 mm (NLG 0.85),  46 x 24.5 mm (NLG 1.20 and NLG 1.65) Designer Lex Reitsma, Haarlem Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum synthetic Colours yellow, magenta, cyan and black Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity booklets of 5: € 0.39 NLG 0.85 2,225,000                       € 0.54 NLG 1.20 1,800,000                       € 0.75 NLG 1.65 1,400,000 sheets of 50:  € 0.54 NLG 1.20 80,000                      € 0.75 NLG 1.65 50,000

Living together, a new relationship, getting engaged … the new marriage stamp is appropriate for these types of occasions. Working in collaboration with photographer Edith Gruson, designer Gerard Hadders has approached the design from a photographic viewpoint with a festive atmosphere.
 

Size 36 x 25 mm Designer Gerard Hadders, Schiedam Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum self-adhesive Colours yellow, red, black and gold Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity booklets of 5 : 375,000 booklets sheets of 50 : 55,000 sheets

The design remains unchanged from the original by Ron van Roon issued on 7 October 1997. The designer felt that the stork figure was easily recognisable: "As a child, I always wondered if the stork let the little sack fall or gently set it down."
 

Size 36 x 25 mm Designer Ron van Roon Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum self-adhesive Colours yellow, magenta, cyan and black Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity booklets of 5 : 575,000 booklets sheets of 50 : 110,000 sheets

Designer Fred Inklaar makes a graphical reference to a typical Dutch landscape, with its low horizon and capricious weather. The value of the stamps is projected onto the clouds.
 

Size 36 x 25 mm Designer Fred Inklaar, Amsterdam Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum self-adhesive Colours cyan, yellow and black Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity booklets of 10 : 5,125,000 sheets of 50 : 260,000

The neutral design of the mourning stamp by Rutger Fuchs was first issued on 2 January 1998 to make letters of condolence more recognisable.
 

Size 30 x 30 mm Designer Rutger Fuchs, Amsterdam Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum self-adhesive Colours blue-grey Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity sheets of 50 : 120,000 sheets

The change-of-address stamp has been given a new festive, cartoon-like design look by Max Kisman.
 

Size 33x23 mm Designer Max Kisman, California, USA Perforation slit Paper normal with phosphorescent overprint Gum self-adhesive Colours ochre and black Print technique rotogravure Printer Walsall Security Printers Ltd., UK Format and Quantity sheets of 20 : 165,000 sheetlets

The new business stamp designed by Mieke Gerritzen is practical and straightforward.
 

Size 36 x 25 mm Designer Mieke Gerritzen, Amsterdam Perforation slit Paper phosphorescent Gum synthetic Colours aubergine, black and silver Print technique rotogravure Printer Joh.Enschedé Security Printers, Haarlem Format and Quantity Coil of 100

The new Queen Beatrix stamps is self-adhesive, using the design by Peter Struyken from 1981. The stamp is now available in sheetlets of five.