Index · Edition · ie-imagine-ireland-2024
/Imagine Ireland
First Irish AI-generated stamps
Created by Kasia Oźmin with Midjourney AI, two designs featuring futuristic housing and transport visions
An Post released the /Imagine Ireland edition on 26 September 2024, featuring AI-generated surreal Irish landscapes by designer Kasia Oźmin (Midjourney). The edition comprises two motifs: N stamp (EUR 1.40, 72,000 physical mintage) shows fantastical housing forms, W stamp (EUR 2.20, 56,000 physical mintage) shows future transport. 10,000 booklets (EUR 9.00 each) additionally contain a crypto stamp with PIN code for NFT activation via Ciphers.me and MetaMask on the Polygon blockchain (ERC-721). Redemption window runs through end 2027.
Imagine Ireland 2024
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 September 2024 |
| Crypto Stamp Mintage | 10,000 booklets |
| Physical Stamp Mintage | N: 72,000 / W: 56,000 |
| Booklet Price | EUR 9.00 |
| Tech | Polygon ERC-721, Ciphers.me |
| Printer | Royal Joh. Enschedé |
| Designer | Kasia Oźmin (Midjourney AI) |
| First | AI-generated postal crypto stamp |
Context
An Post issued the first national postal crypto stamp generated using AI tools. Previous AI stamp experiments (individual USPS designs) were not crypto stamps; previous crypto stamps (Austria 2019, Deutsche Post 2023) were not AI-generated. The Imagine Ireland edition combines both technologies.
Designer Kasia Oźmin
Kasia Oźmin used Midjourney to generate surrealist Irish landscapes that appear familiar at first glance but reveal future housing and transport concepts on closer inspection. The aesthetic references work by Etienne Trouvelot and generative sci-fi illustration.
Oźmin stated that AI should function as an aid rather than a replacement for human creativity in art production.
Technical Specifications
Identical tech stack to Deutsche Post Brandenburg Gate (2 November 2023). Activation requires:
- Create MetaMask wallet (app or browser extension)
- Create Ciphers.me account, link with MetaMask
- Scratch PIN from booklet, enter
- NFT appears in MetaMask wallet on Polygon
Redemption window through end 2027.
Booklet Format
Each booklet contains one traditional print stamp and one crypto stamp of the same motif series. Collectors receive a physical collector item and digital NFT twin. Booklet price EUR 9.00 — lower than SG-VeVe Phygital editions (USD 10) or the Wacken Wallet (EUR 11.99).
Reception
David Gerard (Pivot to AI) and others criticized the timing in late 2024 — NFT interest had declined while AI drew attention. The AI + NFT combination appeared to critics as two trends combined after their peaks. An Post described the edition as a test, leaving follow-up editions undetermined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the crypto component activated?
Booklet contains PIN and Public ID. Collectors set up a MetaMask wallet and Ciphers.me account, link both, enter the PIN — and receive the NFT on the Polygon blockchain. Redemption window through end 2027.