Austria 2019 - Crypto Stamp

Technical Details:

Date of Issue: 11 June 2019

Stamp Size: 85,6 mm x 53,98 mm x 0,79 mm

Artwork: Julia Obermuller

Printing: Variuscard GmbH Slebdruck & Offset/ Silk Screen & Offset Printing

Quantity: 150,000 stamps

About Crypto Stamp

Stamps go Digital

With the innovative crypto stamp, Austrian Post is for the first time offering a stamp which also exists as a digital asset (crypto collectible) in the Ethereum blockchain, and is thus breaking completely new ground.

The blockchain is a special form of decentralised data storage. For this, data are not stored in a single computer centre but are distributed across many independent computers. A sophisticated mechanism ensures that completed transactions cannot be subsequently manipulated. Using the QR code printed on the stamp, the owner can look at the digital version of his/her crypto stamp in the Ethereum blockchain and then transfer it to other users.

The Crypto Stamp

The crypto stamp on the one hand comprises the physical stamp which you can remove from themini sheet along the perforated line and use for postage like any “normal” stamp. The second part ofthe sheet contains (in addition to the stamp), concealed under a scratch-off layer, access data (address and private key) to a so-called wallet, a “virtual wallet”. This contains the associated digitalcrypto stamp. In the Ethereum blockchain everybody can see which wallet address the digital crypto stamp is assigned to. However, the identity of the owner of this wallet address is not visible.

Only the owner of the private key belonging to the wallet can access the crypto stamp. On the minisheet this code is given in the form of a “secret word list” which is revealed after scratching off thecoating on the third section. This code enables the owner to access the pre-configured wallet address and also to transfer the stamp to other wallets. Every transfer of ownership is irreversibly documented in the blockchain so that legal ownership can always be proven.

The unicorn depicted on the stamp block has a symbolic meaning: successful start-up companies valued at at least one billion US dollars are referred to as unicorns in the world of business as they are just as rare as these mythical creatures. The unicorn is also the heraldic animal used to represent the Ethereum community.

That's how it works

Scan the QR code with your mobile phone camera or a QR code app. Alternatively, enter the code [1]. Now you see the unique digital version of your brand.

Your digital crypto stamp is in a preconfigured wallet. The address of this digital "purse" is below the scratchpad for your information [2]. The blockchain records which wallet a particular crypto stamp belongs to. So there is a unique certificate of authenticity that can prove that you are the current owner of this Collectibles. A cash discount of the transaction balance in the wallet is not possible.

With the code [3] you can also transfer your Crypto Stamp to another wallet. For this you need the so-called Secret Word List. You can see this when you scrub code [3].Keep this code well and do not share it with others, it is the password to your Blockchain Wallet.

When you retrieve your crypto stamp using the QR code scanner or code [1] you will see an illustration of the crypto stamp in five color mutations.

These color mutations determine the rarity of your cryptostamp.

The distribution pyramid

"Collectables"	scattering
Red mark	1500
Yellow mark	10,000
Blue mark	20,000
Green brand	40,000
Black mark	78,500