Swiss Post to launch Switzerland’s first crypto stamp
When purchasing a Swiss Crypto Stamp, customers don’t know which digital design is linked to it.
SwissPost/Gregor Forster
Swiss Post says it will “bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds in philately” on November 25, when it launches 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 CHF8.90 ($9.50), 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.
Swiss Post said in a statementExternal link on Thursday that the launch will “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 CHF8.90,” it said, pointing out that owners can use it to frank postal items just like any other stamp.
“But the actual crypto stamp is digital. Every physical Swiss Crypto Stamp provides access to a digital stamp stored in a blockchain.”
Digital twin
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, Swiss Post explained. By scanning this code, customers can view their digital crypto stamp online.
A total of 175,000 stamps will be issued, with 65,000 copies of the most common digital design but just 50 of the rarest.
The Swiss Crypto Stamp will be available from November 25 at selected Swiss Post branches. It can be ordered at all branches and online at www.postshop.chExternal link.
More
More
Switzerland makes its stamp on the world
This content was published on
Switzerland was the second country ever to introduce postage stamps. Early Swiss stamps are therefore some of the most valuable in the world.
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss Post unveils first stamp price hikes in 18 years
This content was published on
The new prices for priority and standard mail were set in cooperation with the country’s price watchdog and will go into effect in January 2022.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.