Catalogs and abbreviations used

Europost uses the catalogs below on the website and in many cases uses an abbreviation. This can often be found before the catalog number.

Postage stamp catalogues

Abbr.	Catalog name	Used for	Language
NVPH	Special catalog of stamps for the Netherlands and overseas territories	The Netherlands, former Colonies and overseas territories	Dutch
OBP	Official Postage Stamp Catalog Belgium	Belgium and former Colonies	Dutch French
ZB	Zonnebloem	Republic of Suriname and Indonesia	Dutch
ML	Michel	Whole world	German
Yv	Yvert & Tellier	Whole world	French
SG	Stanley Gibbons	Whole world	English
Sct	Scott	Whole world	English

Coin catalogues

Abbr.	Catalog name	Used for	Language
NVMH	NVMH Muntalmanac	The Netherlands, former Colonies and overseas territories	Dutch
Kr	Krause	Whole world	English

Banknote catalogues

Abbr.	Catalog name	Used for	Language
NVMH	NVMH Muntalmanac	The Netherlands, former Colonies and overseas territories	Dutch
Pl	Plomp	The Netherlands	Dutch
Pick	Pick Papermoney	Whole world	English

Stamps

Quality

Very fine	Beautiful copy without defects
Very nice	Very nice copy, may have minor defects. It is always indicated what defect the seal has.
Nice	Beautiful copy with more serious defects. It is always indicated what defect the seal has.

What is a beautiful copy for Europost?

The stamp has good perforation, no teeth should be missing
The stamp has no abrasions or thin spots
The seal has no cracks
The stamp has no folds
The stamp has no stains
The seal has no rust spots (oxidation).
The stamp has no discolouration
The stamp is reasonably to well centered
A stamped stamp is not stamped too heavily and does not have a machine stamp

Please note that an older stamp should be viewed differently than a modern stamp.

Condition

Mint NH (MNH)	**	Uncancelled stamp with full original gum as it came from the post office. The gum has never been treated or has been attached with a sticker. In other words, without sticker or sticker trace
Mint Hinged (Unused)	*	Unstamped stamp with full eraser. However, the stamp is (was) attached with a sticker and therefore has a sticker or sticker residue.
Unstamped	(*)	Unstamped stamp which has never been in circulation but which no longer has any gum. This may be because the stamp was issued without gum or because, for example, the sticker has soaked off.
Used (Cancelled)	Ꙩ	Stamped postage stamp. The stamp is generally used for postage or another purpose for which it was intended. Some stamps are stamped but still have the gum. These stamps are stamped upon request. For modern stamps, these are the stamps that are supplied by subscription.

The following conditions apply to First Day Envelopes:

Unwritten (blank)	The envelope has never been written on or written on;
Typed address	The envelope has actually been walked and is addressed with a typed address
Written address	The envelope has actually been walked and is addressed with a written address
Removed address	The envelope actually ran but the address has been removed. There are traces of it address visible.

For all conditions FDCs these are not cut open

Abbreviations of stamp categories of the Netherlands and OR (As used in the NVPH catalogue)

AU ATM stamps
BD blueprint
BK Safe stamps
BZ Postage Paid stamps
CR Crypto stamps
D Service stamps (incl. Poor Law)
E First Day Envelope, First Day Cover (FDC)
IN Internment stamps
LP Airmail

P Postage Due stamps
PB Stamp booklet
PR Prestige booklet
PV Parcel Post Postage Due Stamps
PW Post receipt stamps
Pzm Stamp folder
R Roll serration
TG Telegram stamps
V Sheet

Coins

Quality description

Proof	Proof	Not for circulation purposes, but struck especially for collectors. Struck with polished stamps and a reflective field. Highest quality of coins.
proof like	proof like	Almost like Proof. FDC/BU struck with polished dies and a reflective field.
BU	Brilliant UNC	Has not been in circulation and shows no signs of wear. In condition as it came out of the coin press, individually wrapped. Looks like Proof, without reflective field.
FDC	Fleur de Coin	Same as BU. Shows no wear. (The term 'Fleur de Coin' was replaced in the NVMH catalog in 2002 by 'Brilliant Uncirculated'). The term FDC is still often used internationally. This term therefore appears both on our website.
UNC	uncirculated	Has not been in circulation and shows no signs of wear. The coin is in the condition it was intended to be during the production process.
PR	Splendor/Beautiful Extremely Fine	The coin has only been in circulation for a short time and shows barely visible traces of wear.
ZF	Very nice Very Fine	Has been in circulation a little longer, shows wear on the higher parts. The original shine has disappeared. All details are still clearly visible, but not sharp.
FR	Fine Finish	The coin has been in circulation for a long time and shows multiple and larger wear spots. The finer details are virtually no longer visible.
ZG	Very good Very Good	Been in circulation for a very long time, shows considerable wear. Especially in the higher parts such as the hair and the lion. Parts of the text may be difficult to read.
G	Good Good	The coin has been in circulation for even longer, and is therefore heavily worn. The year and currency can often still be determined.
EDC	1st day coin cards	First Day Coincards.
+ / -	Plus minus	Specific quality indication, slightly better ( + ), or slightly less ( – ), or between the qualities ( / ).

Banknotes

Quality description

+ / -Plus / MinusSpecific quality indication, slightly better ( + ), or slightly less ( – ), or between the qualities ( / ).

UNC	uncirculated	Perfectly preserved note that has not been in circulation. Without wear, the paper is clean and tight, without folds or wrinkles. The corners are sharp.
UNC -	Almost UNC	Notes with minor defects. No folds or holes, but not completely perfect, but almost UNC. The terms AU and aUNC are also still used regularly!
PR	Extremely Fine Extremely Fine	Beautiful banknote that has rarely been in circulation. The note may have one sharp fold or several very light folds. Clean and beautiful in color. The corners may be slightly rounded.
ZFR	Very nice Very Fine	Has been in circulation for a little longer, shows clear signs of use. Possible with horizontal and vertical folds. The paper may have minor soiling/discoloration. The corners may be worn and rounded.
FR	Nice Finish	Has been in circulation for a long time, shows several traces of wear. May have several heavier folds. There may be cracks in the edges and there may be a hole or non-hole in it. The note may be weaker and soiled.
ZG	Very good Very Good	Has been in circulation a lot, shows considerable wear. May be heavily soiled/discolored, the edges may have larger cracks. There can also be a center hole and also (non) holes. The corners are strongly rounded.
+ / -	Plus minus	Specific quality indication, slightly better ( + ) or slightly less ( – ) or between the qualities ( / ).