Index · Edition · cs-6-hermes-nl
Hermes — NL Crypto Stamp 4
Hermes
NL Crypto Stamp 4 - Hermes is the Dutch variant of a five-country Crypto Stamp joint edition. Hermes is messenger of the gods — the most fitting mythological motif for a postal administration. PostNL's fourth crypto stamp after Bull (2022), Lion (2023), and Dragon (2024). Designer: Lisa Filzi. Reported "almost sold out" one week after launch.
Variants
| Variant | Variant | Color | Mintage | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #C8281F | 250 | 1 | |
| Yellow | #F5C518 | 1,675 | 2 | |
| Blue | #1F4FA8 | 3,325 | 3 | |
| Green | #3F8B3F | 6,675 | 4 | |
| Black | #1F1E1C | 13,075 | 5 |
About the Dutch Hermes Variant
NL Crypto Stamp 4 - Hermes is PostNL's fourth crypto stamp and its contribution to the quintilateral joint edition. It follows NL Crypto Stamp Bull (2022), NL Crypto Stamp 2 - Lion (2023), and NL Crypto Stamp 3 - Dragon (2024). PostNL has maintained annual release frequency since 2022.
Symbolism: Messenger of the Gods
The Dutch variant depicts Hermes, the Greek messenger deity. Hermes carries messages between Olympus and mortals. His traditional attributes include:
- Winged sandals (Talaria): representing speed and movement
- Caduceus: winged staff with two serpents, associated with commerce and mediation
- Travel hat (Petasos): winged hat marking the traveler
- Money pouch: linking Hermes to merchants and trade
For a postal administration, Hermes represents message delivery — the core postal function. PostNL selected this motif among the five CS 6 mythological figures.
Design Specifics
Lisa Filzi designed the NL variant featuring Hermes with traditional attributes — winged sandals and caduceus visible in the composition. The design continues from CS 5.2 Dragon and other CS 6 variants: bright colors, layered composition, contemporary aesthetic.
Filzi maintained design continuity from CS 5.2 Dragon through CS 6 Mythologie. The Hermes figure shows dynamic positioning consistent with PostNL's visual language developed over recent editions.
Market Reception
One week after the 18 September 2025 launch, crypto-insiders.de reported the NL variant as nearly sold out. PostNL was the first of five joint partners to reach this sellout level. Contributing factors include:
Thematic alignment. Hermes as messenger deity appeals directly to postal thematic collectors focusing on communication and delivery motifs.
Subscriber base. PostNL subscribers have pre-order access. Previous editions showed this pattern: NL Crypto Stamp 2 Lion launched 20 September 2023 (three weeks before partners) and NL Crypto Stamp 3 Dragon on 1 October 2024 (three weeks early). Though CS 6 had uniform release dates, the subscriber base was prepared.
Established collectors. After three annual editions (2022, 2023, 2024), PostNL has built a Dutch collector base that follows new releases.
Variant Distribution
The CS 6 Hermes stamp exists in five digital color twins:
- Black (~52.3%, 13,075 pieces)
- Green (~26.7%, 6,675 pieces)
- Blue (~13.3%, 3,325 pieces)
- Yellow (~6.7%, 1,675 pieces)
- Red (~1.0%, 250 pieces)
Total mintage: 25,000 pieces on Polygon blockchain.
Postal Value
NL Crypto Stamp 4 - Hermes carries value designation R for registered mail within the Netherlands up to 20 grams — consistent with all NL crypto stamps since Bull (2022). Valid for national registered mail, primarily traded as collector item.
Distribution
PostNL distribution channels:
- PostNL webshop (shop.postnl.nl) — primary online channel with international shipping
- Bruna stores — physical sales through Dutch bookstore chain
- Crypto onchain shop (cryptostamp.com) — joint platform of all partners
- 200-set bundle via Österreichische Post (see Family page)
Secondary Market
Following the sellout, secondary market activity emerged on Delcampe, eBay, and Catawiki. Black variants trade between EUR 35 and EUR 90. Red variants (250 pieces, ~1% mintage) command higher prices reflecting their scarcity.
Position in PostNL's Crypto Stamp History
NL Crypto Stamp 4 - Hermes is the fourth in PostNL's annual series since 2022. PostNL has participated in all major joint editions: Bull (bilateral), Lion (trilateral), Dragon (quadrilateral), and Hermes (quintilateral). The pattern shows annual releases, consistent joint-edition participation, and expanding international cooperation. The Hermes sellout confirms market acceptance of PostNL's crypto stamp program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Hermes for PostNL?
Hermes is in Greek mythology messenger of the gods — god of messengers and travel, protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves. For a postal administration, this is the most fitting possible motif: Hermes is the mythological embodiment of the postal mission. With winged sandals and caduceus (winged staff with two intertwined serpents), Hermes is the visual symbol for fast, reliable message delivery.
What does "NL Crypto Stamp 4" mean?
PostNL numbers its crypto stamps sequentially: NL Crypto Stamp (2022, Bull) was the first, NL Crypto Stamp 2 - Lion (2023) the second, NL Crypto Stamp 3 - Dragon (2024) the third, NL Crypto Stamp 4 - Hermes (2025) the fourth. Österreichische Post numbers the same edition as CS 6 Hermes, POST Luxembourg as their third crypto stamp, bpost as their second, CTT Portugal as their first.
Why was the NL variant almost sold out first?
One week after launch, industry reports spoke of an almost sold out Dutch variant — faster than the variants of other joint partners. The Hermes symbolism fits particularly well with postal administration identity and appeals to collectors. PostNL subscribers traditionally have pre-order privileges, concentrating sales. Additionally, the Dutch collector base is relatively well established after three previous NL crypto stamps. Exact mintage numbers were not publicly communicated.