Index · Edition · cs-4-0-bull-nl
Bull — Crypto Stamp 4
Bull
NL Crypto Stamp is the Dutch variant of the first international Crypto Stamp joint edition with Österreichische Post — simultaneously PostNL's very first crypto stamp. Released on 22 September 2022 in a print run of 140,000 with face value 9.05 EUR. Augmented reality feature, NFC chip authentication, Polygon sidechain.
Variants
| Variant | Variant | Color | Mintage | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #C8281F | 1,400 | 1 | |
| Yellow | #F5C518 | 9,334 | 2 | |
| Blue | #1F4FA8 | 18,666 | 3 | |
| Green | #3F8B3F | 37,334 | 4 | |
| Black | #1F1E1C | 73,266 | 5 |
NL Crypto Stamp — PostNL First Edition
The NL Crypto Stamp Bull is the Dutch variant of the joint edition with Austria and the first crypto stamp issued by PostNL. PostNL joined postal operators that had previously issued crypto stamps: Austria (2019), Gibraltar (2021), Croatia (2021), Liechtenstein (2021), Malta (2021), the United Arab Emirates (2021), the UN (2021), and Switzerland (2021).
Unlike postal services that released independent national editions, PostNL chose the joint-issue format for its first crypto stamp. Stephan van den Eijnden, Commercial Director at PostNL Mail Netherlands, noted that PostNL received inquiries about the Dutch crypto stamp from May 2022 — four months before the 22 September 2022 release.
Design Specifics of the Dutch Variant
The bull motif and plastic card construction match the Austrian variant. The NL variant uses Dutch flag colors — red-white-blue horizontal stripes — with an embossed crystal structure that serves as a crypto reference, as on the AT variant.
A tulip pattern overlays the flag instead of the Austrian edelweiss. The tulip has been associated with the Netherlands since the 17th century and the Tulip Mania of 1634-37. The design combines the bull (bull markets) with the tulip (historical speculation).
The reverse upper-right corner carries the unicorn logo of the Crypto Stamp brand — the visual identifier across all Crypto Stamp editions.
Mintage and Pricing
The Dutch print run of 140,000 pieces exceeds the Austrian (100,000 pieces) by 40%. Face value is EUR 9.05 — below the AT value of EUR 9.90. The pricing reflects national tariff structures: the NL value corresponds to a PostNL international letter category, the AT value to Letter International EU & Rest of Europe L of Österreichische Post.
The higher mintage reflects broader distribution — PostNL offered both online (webshop) and physical distribution through Bruna stores at launch.
Distribution and Availability
PostNL distributed the NL Crypto Stamp Bull through:
- PostNL webshop (shop.postnl.nl/webshop/crypto-stamp): primary online channel with worldwide shipping
- Bruna stores: physical sales locations across the Dutch bookstore chain
- Onchain shop (cryptostamp.com): joint online store of Österreichische Post and PostNL
- Duo Box: special product containing both variants plus 3D bull mask, exclusively via PostNL webshop
Pre-orders opened on 2 September 2022, three weeks before release. The higher mintage and dual distribution system ensured broader availability than some earlier Crypto Stamps.
Collector Market
The NL Crypto Stamp Bull trades on Delcampe, eBay, and through stamp dealers. Black variants (Schwarz, 73,266 pieces) typically trade between EUR 25 and EUR 75, below comparable Austrian CS 4.0 variants due to higher NL mintage.
Red variants (Rot, 1,400 pieces) achieve collector prices in the low four-figure EUR range. The Duo Box containing both variants has become a collector item on secondary markets, trading in the high three- to four-figure EUR range — the exclusive 3D bull mask adds value.
Significance
The NL Crypto Stamp Bull marks PostNL entry into crypto stamps and establishes the pattern for subsequent joint editions. The CS 5.0 Lion (2023, joint with Austria + Luxembourg), CS 5.0 Dragon (2024, joint with Austria + Luxembourg + Belgium), and 2025 Mythologie editions demonstrate PostNL commitment to the format. The Bull edition marks the beginning of the international phase of Crypto Stamp history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NL Crypto Stamp PostNL's first crypto stamp?
Yes. The NL Crypto Stamp Bull of 22 September 2022 was the very first crypto stamp PostNL ever issued. At the same time, it is the world's first joint edition between two national postal services.
How does the NL variant differ from the Austrian one?
Both carry the identical bull motif. Differences: the NL variant has background in national colors red-white-blue, a tulip pattern (instead of edelweiss for AT), a mintage of 140,000 pieces (versus 100,000 AT) and face value 9.05 EUR (versus 9.90 EUR AT). Blockchain and NFC architecture are identical.
Where can I buy the NL Crypto Stamp Bull?
At launch via the PostNL webshop (shop.postnl.nl) and in physical Bruna stores — the largest Dutch bookstore chain. Today on secondary markets such as Delcampe, eBay, and through specialized stamp dealers. The Duo Box (containing AT and NL variants plus 3D bull mask) is no longer regularly available.
What was the Duo Box?
A special collector box released for the CS 4.0 joint edition, containing both variants — the Austrian Crypto Stamp 4.0 and the NL Crypto Stamp Bull — along with an exclusive 3D bull mask to assemble, with instructions included. The box was strictly limited and available exclusively through the PostNL webshop.