Swiss Post launches Switzerland’s first crypto stamp
On 25 November, Swiss Post is launching the Swiss Crypto Stamp – the first stamp of its kind in Switzerland. The crypto stamp consists of two parts. While it is a physical stamp worth 8.90 francs, every crypto stamp also has a related digital image. This digital image shows one of 13 possible designs, is stored in a blockchain and can be collected, exchanged and traded online. With the Swiss Crypto Stamp, Swiss Post is bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds in philately, too.
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Swiss Post issues around 50 different new stamps each year. These stamps feature a wide variety of designs, are made from different materials and even come in various forms. On 25 November 2021, Swiss Post will launch a very different type of stamp, representing a milestone in Swiss stamp history – the Swiss Crypto Stamp, the first of its kind in Switzerland. The launch will enable Swiss Post to bridge the gap between the physical world of stamps and the digital crypto-universe.
At first glance, the Swiss Crypto Stamp looks like any ordinary stamp. It is self-adhesive, shows the Matterhorn and the moon on a blue background, and has a face value of 8.90 francs. Owners can use it to frank postal items just like any other stamp. But the actual crypto stamp is digital. and it is a digital collector’s item. Every physical Swiss Crypto Stamp provides access to a digital stamp stored in a blockchain.
Digital stamps for collecting, exchanging and trading
When purchasing a Swiss Crypto Stamp, customers don’t know which digital design is linked to it. Buyers only discover what the digital twin of their physical stamp looks like when they go online. This is accessed via a QR code printed next to the physical stamp. By scanning this code, customers can view their digital crypto stamp online. What is remarkable is that the digital crypto stamps come in 13 different designs. Some are more common, while others are much rarer and more coveted. There are 65,000 copies of the most common digital design, but just 50 of the rarest. One thing is clear: the Swiss Crypto Stamp means collecting, exchanging and trading stamps has gone digital, too.
The Swiss Crypto Stamp is being launched on 25 November 2021 in an issue of 175,000. Switzerland’s first crypto stamp will be available from this date at selected Swiss Post branches. It can be ordered at all Swiss Post branches and online at www.postshop.ch.