Cees Janssen receives Stamp Day 2012

Today, during Postex, Cees Janssen received the first Day of the Stamp sheet from Ard Korporaal, Manager of the PostNL Collectors Market. Cees Janssen, who is an (inter)national jury member, a member of the Filatelie editorial board, and the Postzegelblog author, as well as a walking encyclopedia regarding philatelic matters, has been advising PostNL for four years on which proof print will be released on the Day of the Stamp. The design of the 2012 Day of the Stamp sheet is based on a 1949 proof print of a block of four Juliana stamps with a face value of 1 guilder. This proof print differs in a few essential respects from the stamp that was eventually put into production. The proof print uses both open and solid letters for the designation 'Netherlands', whereas the 1949 stamp uses only solid letters. Also, the face value on the proof print is written out in letters (one guilder) instead of a numeral (1 guilder) as on the actual stamp. Finally, Queen Juliana is wearing a tiara on the proof print. This had been removed from the 1949 stamp at the explicit request of the Queen. Today was not only the first day of Postex 2012, but also the Day of the Stamp. This annual international event is celebrated in the Netherlands by philatelists with, among other things, stamp exchanges, exhibitions, and other special gatherings. Despite the beautiful weather, the number of visitors was high, the atmosphere was great, and I was able to chat with many readers, authors, and acquaintances. You can find a short impression via this linkHope to see you tomorrow?!