The new collection: PostNL to launch the first Dutch crypto stamp
The Hague, the Netherlands – PostNL will issue the very first Dutch crypto stamp this autumn. The launch comes from a collaboration with Austrian Post, which is simultaneously releasing a crypto stamp. “Collecting stamps has been around for ages,” says Bob van Ierland, Director of Mail at PostNL. “We’re proud to be appealing to a new generation of collectors with this special stamp.”
The ‘NL crypto stamp’ is a physical postage stamp that has a ‘digital twin’ in the blockchain. This digital version becomes visible by scanning the QR code on the physical stamp. You can then activate, collect, exchange and trade it via blockchain. Its digital twin is a so-called non-fungible token (NFT).
Collaboration with Austrian Post
The NL crypto stamp is not only new in the Netherlands, but also a worldwide first; in fact, it’s the first crypto stamp to be jointly issued by two postal companies. PostNL has joined forces with Austrian Post, which developed the first crypto stamp in 2019.
To seal this collaboration, Herna Verhagen, PostNL’s CEO, met her Austrian counterpart Georg Pölzl recently. Austrian Post has over three years of experience in issuing crypto stamps. As Georg Pölzl explains: “We specialised in the use of blockchain and crypto technology early on, making us an international pioneer. Through licensing, postal operators worldwide can now draw on our expertise. I’m convinced that, with Austrian help, this Dutch crypto stamp will become a sought-after collector's item.”
The Netherlands gets into crypto and NFTs
“More and more Dutch people are interested in the world of crypto,” says Van Ierland. “Yet the general public so far only knows these products by name. With this crypto stamp we’re now making NFTs accessible to a wider audience. We hope that by doing so we can enthuse more people to take this new step in the world of collecting."
Secret design yet to be revealed
Like previous crypto stamp issues by Austrian Post, the design of this jointly issued crypto stamp has a unique symbol. Designs for those earlier editions included, for example, the symbols of a unicorn, a whale and a panda. PostNL and Austrian Post are not yet revealing the design that will adorn this crypto stamp. This will be done gradually in the coming period via the website NLcryptostamp.nl, the Collect Club newsletter from PostNL and PostNL’s social media channels.
Availability of PostNL crypto stamp
The NL crypto stamp will be made available in a limited edition for €9,05. PostNL will later be announcing when presales start, the number of crypto stamps available, and where the crypto stamp will be for sale.