Netherlands IndiesFirst Postage Stamp

The staring King

On 1 April 1864, the Netherlands Indies, modern-day Indonesia and then a Dutch colony, released its first official postage stamp. It was a striking 10 cent carmine, designed by J.W. Kaiser and printed in Utrecht, featuring the profile of King Willem III. Around 2 million imperforate stamps were printed on thick, yellowish paper. A perforated version appeared later, with around 1 million produced and subtle changes to the design, including a smaller portrait. Most surviving examples bear Batavia cancels, while strikes from smaller towns are generally scarcer and more sought after. Collectors should keep an eye out for forgeries. Among the most common are those by the Spiro Brothers, which can often be spotted by Willem’s oddly expressive face and questionable cancellations that don’t match known postal use. I came across one myself, until I noticed that smirk. If I had my way, I’d officially call this stamp “The Staring King.” There’s a heaviness and real presence to the portrait, almost as if Willem is looking straight at you. It’s a quality you just don’t often get from stamps of the 1860s.