[from press materials] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL celebrates 750 years of Amsterdam with special stamp sheet
PostNL is celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary with a special stamp sheet. The stamp sheet contains five unique stamps designed by Michiel Schuurman, who was born 
and raised in Amsterdam. The stamps reflect the rich past and festive atmosphere of the capital, which will celebrate its anniversary from 27 October 2024 to 27 October 2025.
Summary:
Issue: Amsterdam 750 Years
Issue date: 2 January 2025
Appearance: Sheet of 5 special stamps in 5 different designs, each with a denomination of 1 for mail up to 20 grams sent within the Netherlands
Item number: 450161
Design: Michiel Schuurman, Amsterdam
Special design
The stamps show the number 750 in the form of a continuous ribbon, a playful reference to the city’s official anniversary banner. Each design has its own colour scheme, inspired by the diversity and vibrancy of Amsterdam. The typical Amsterdam St. Andrew’s crosses and serpentines add extra recognisability. “With this special stamp sheet, we are not only honouring the past, but also celebrating the future of Amsterdam,” says Maurice Unck, 
Director of Mail Netherlands at PostNL. “As the capital, Amsterdam has a unique place in our country and in the hearts of many. PostNL is proud to contribute to this festive milestone with this design.”
The Amsterdam 750 years stamp sheet was designed by Michiel Schuurman, a graphic designer from Amsterdam. Schuurman not only lives and works in the capital but was also born and raised there.
He describes the topic of Amsterdam 750 Years as vast, in every sense. “Big and grand. Both the city itself and its history and culture,” he said. “How do you summarise 750 years of city life? You’d need at least an entire book.”
“In true Amsterdam fashion, the stamps are boldly large,” he added. “They have that big-
city attitude.”
750 years of history in a nutshell
The history of Amsterdam dates back to 1275, when Count Floris V granted the residents of ‘Amestelledamme’ freedom to pay tolls. In the centuries that followed, Amsterdam grew into a global city with a rich trading history and iconic urban expansions, such as the famous canal belt. Sietse Bakker, program director Amsterdam 750; ‘During our anniversary year Amsterdam 750, we celebrate the resilience, creativity and diversity of our city on its anniversary. These stamps are a beautiful symbol of the solidarity of Amsterdammers and all Dutch people in our past, 
present and future!
About the designer
In recent years, Schuurman has worked on projects for Amsterdam Roots (festival organisation), Block C (gallery), Lush Netherlands (cosmetics), The New Institute (cultural centre), Nike (fashion), Vlisco (textiles), De Volkskrant (newspaper), and Ymere (housing corporation). In addition to his design work, Schuurman teaches at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. For PostNL, Schuurman previously designed the stamp sheet “Gewoontjes” [“Ordinary”] (2019).
Availability
The stamp sheet ‘Amsterdam 750 years’ contains 5 stamps with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. The stamps will be available from 2 January 2025 at Bruna stores and via the PostNL webshop. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite. The price per sheet with 5 stamps is € 6.05.
Technical Data
Stamp size: 61.89 x 29.89 mm
Sheet size: 144 x 150 mm
Paper: normal with phosphor coating
Gumming: self-adhesive
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black
Print run: 115,000 sheets
Appearance: sheet of 5 stamps in 5 different designs
Denomination: 1 for mail up to 20 grams within the Netherlands
Design: Michiel Schuurman, Amsterdam
Printing company: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number: 450161
