Austrian Post to Launch Crypto Stamp Art on the Ethereum Blockchain

Austrian Post to Launch Crypto Stamp Art on the Ethereum Blockchain

The National Postal Service of Austria has announced the launch of its latest product called Crypto Stamp Art (CSA), which is based on the Ethereum blockchain. The step to digital-first is significant since Austrian Post is a major player in the blockchain industry and has successfully sold out several iterations of Crypto stamps since 2019. The previous sale of Crypto stamps was centered on the physical stamp, which was accompanied by its digital twin.

The launch of the CSA is planned for July 22, 2022, after releasing the associated physical special stamp block on July 1. Collectors can purchase 2,500 CSA Mystery Boxes exclusively on tokapi.com.

Each digital mystery box contains four non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a special stamp block, and a physical trading card, known as a special art stamp. Each NFT has colour values distributed with different frequencies with increasing rarity. It is important to note that only buyers of the mystery boxes will receive an exclusive physical art stamp after purchase.

The Special Unique Art Stamp 

This exclusive art card is a strictly limited trading card that is equipped with various security features and an NFC chip. Additionally, it can be broken in the middle. The right side shows an artwork imprint, while the left side can be used as a conventional stamp.

Traditional and Digital World with Classic Stamps

The first edition of the CSA is a modern reinterpretation of the Merkur newspaper stamps from 1851. The original series appeared in four colour values. Unfortunately, only a very few specimens of the Red Mercury remain today, making it one of the rarest stamps in Europe and by far the most valuable stamp in Austria.

The original stamps were designed by Josef Anxmann, a copper engraver, in the 19th century. Encode Graphics, together with Ari Pratama and PR1MAL CYPHER, a famous Austrian digital artist and NFT expert designed the new edition in 2022. The new special stamp block with a nominal value of 3.70 euros was issued 150,000 times. It is available in all post offices and at onlineshop.post.at.

The Austrian Post will gift the special stamp block to buyers of the CSA Mystery Boxes. This is considered part of a drive to boost the adoption of NFTs in Austria and worldwide. Moreover, every box contains four NFT collectibles and a limited-edition special art stamp.

The CSA Mystery Boxes will be available exclusively on Tokapi.com for 500 euros per box from July 22. Tokapi makes it easy for buyers to use a credit card or an instant transfer and does not require a crypto wallet.

Crypto Stamp Art is Just the Beginning

This edition marks the beginning of the newly developed Crypto Stamp Art project. The focus is on collecting digital works of art and collaborating with greats from the NFT scene.

Austrian Post is betting on new interpretations and has already been able to entice other internationally renowned artists who will work on future editions of Crypto Stamp Art.

Patricia Liebermann, Head of Philately for Austrian Post AG, spoke of the upcoming launching event. "There has been a generational shift in collecting. Younger people are using NFTs to make digital collectibles truly valuable and unique. It is the perfect opportunity for us to bridge the gap between physical and digital collecting with the Crypto Stamp Art that speaks to all generations."

Daniel Lenikus, CEO of Tokapi, on the Partnership with Austrian Post:

"Blockchain is changing the world at an even faster pace than the internet did and typically adds significant complexity. We are removing those barriers. NFTs should be an inclusive technology for everyone to use and not limited to a select few with extensive blockchain knowledge. At Tokapi, we provide the easiest way for collectors to buy digital assets, and thus help to onboard a new wave of collectors."

The Austrian Post

Austrian Post AG is the leading postal, logistics, and service provider central to Austria’s economy, with over 20,000 employees. The company focuses on delivering at the highest quality every day and offers a comprehensive product and service portfolio to best match its customers' needs.