Index · Edition · li-stamp-4-0-perspective-2021
Crypto Stamp 4.0 – Perspective
Fourth crypto stamp issuer worldwide
Pioneer edition with Smart QR Code and vision theme, September 2021
Liechtensteinische Post issued its first crypto stamp on 6 September 2021 — the fourth issuer worldwide. Motif: Weitblick (vision/perspective). Format: 32 × 38 mm, sheet 110 × 100 mm. Print: offset 4-color CMYK by Gutenberg AG, Schaan, on PVA stamp paper 110 g/m². Two variants: 42,000 standard stamps (CHF 5.20, perforated) and 3,200 imperforate special edition (CHF 60.00, with 3D holographic foil, in casket). First crypto stamp worldwide with SQR code (Smart QR Code) — counterfeit-proof, smaller than standard QR, requires macro lens. The Stamp 4.0 app (initially Android, later iOS) enables verification, game mode with 4 characters, and leaderboard. PostEurop Innovation Award 2021 — runner-up.
Variants
| Variant | Variant | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition (perforated) | 42,000 | |
| Imperforate Special Edition | 3,200 |
About the Stamp 4.0 Perspective / Weitblick 2021
The pioneer edition of Liechtenstein's crypto stamp programme — launched on 6 September 2021 as fourth crypto stamp issuer worldwide. Theme: Weitblick (vision/perspective) — Liechtenstein's identity as a future-oriented micro jurisdiction.
Core Data
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 6 September 2021 |
| Theme | Weitblick / Perspective — vision motif |
| Stamp format | 32 × 38 mm |
| Sheet format | 110 × 100 mm |
| Offset 4-color CMYK | |
| Printer | Gutenberg AG, Schaan (Liechtenstein-local) |
| Paper | PVA stamp paper 110 g/m², gummed |
| Standard mintage | 42,000 |
| Standard price | CHF 5.20 (real face value) |
| Imperforate mintage | 3,200 (limited) |
| Imperforate price | CHF 60.00 |
| Imperforate special | 3D holographic foil + casket |
| Award | PostEurop Innovation Award 2021 — Runner-Up |
Pioneer Position
Liechtenstein joins the earliest crypto stamp wave:
| # | Issuer | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Österreichische Post (Crypto Stamp 1) | 11 June 2019 |
| 2 | Hrvatska Posta (Croatian Crypto Stamp) | 9 September 2020 |
| 3 | UN Postal Administration (Series I) | 24 November 2020 |
| 4 | Royal Gibraltar Post Office (Cryptocurrency Stamp) | 17 May 2021 |
| 5 | Liechtensteinische Post (Stamp 4.0 Perspective) | 6 September 2021 |
| 6 | Swiss Post (Swiss Crypto Stamp) | 13 September 2021 |
| 7 | USPS (Day of the Dead) | 2 November 2021 |
Liechtenstein was one week ahead of Swiss Post and two months ahead of USPS.
Technology Innovation: SQR Code
The first worldwide crypto stamp with SQR code (Smart QR Code). Comparison with standard crypto stamps of the time:
| Issuer | Code type | Pioneer date |
|---|---|---|
| AT Crypto Stamp 1 | Scratch-off code (manually revealable) | 11 June 2019 |
| HR Croatian Crypto Stamp | Standard QR code | 9 September 2020 |
| UN Series I | Standard QR code | 24 November 2020 |
| GI Cryptocurrency Stamp | Standard QR code (reverse) | 17 May 2021 |
| LI Stamp 4.0 Perspective | SQR code (Smart QR) | 6 September 2021 |
Properties of the SQR code:
- More compact than standard QR
- Cryptographically signed (counterfeit-proof)
- Macro lens required (prevents accidental scanning)
- Unique per-stamp identifier
This tech was not adopted by other issuers — Liechtenstein remains the only SQR code issuer.
Game Mechanics: Stamp Prince of Liechtenstein
The unique game component:
1. Random assignment: Liechtenstein Post randomly mixes the stamps before shipping. Buyers don't know which of the 4 game characters is assigned to their stamp — blind-box mechanic with no exchange right.
2. Puzzle system: After SQR code scan in the app, the user must solve puzzles at various levels. The puzzles tell stories from Liechtenstein — historical anecdotes, geography, culture.
3. Character unlock: Only after solving all puzzles is the game character unlocked and can be deposited in the personal data room (blockchain).
4. Leaderboard: Points for solved puzzles, faster times, multiple stamps. Top user becomes Stamp Prince of Liechtenstein (or Princess).
5. Point system:
- Find game character: Points (various values)
- Solve puzzle: Points
- Top 3 best time: Bonus points
- Double puzzle: Extra points
This gamification is unique in the crypto stamp space — other issuers have no comparable play elements.
Mintage Strategy
Standard mintage 42,000: relatively large for a micro jurisdiction. Comparison:
- AT Crypto Stamp 1: 150,000 (3.5× larger)
- HR Croatian: 50,000
- LI Standard: 42,000
- GI Cryptocurrency: 50,000
- US Day of Dead: 24,664 (smaller)
Imperforate Special Edition 3,200: limited for premium collectors. With:
- 3D holographic foil cover
- Casket (premium container)
- Gold foil embossing
- CHF 60 (~12× standard price)
This two-mintage strategy (standard + premium) later became the Liechtenstein standard for other editions (Princess Marie, Britto).
Distribution and Sales
- Main channel: shop.philatelie.li (Liechtenstein Post own shop)
- Stamp auctions: occasional
- Secondary market: OpenSea (for NFTs), classical stamp auctions (for physical stamps)
As of May 2026, the standard edition is sold out. Imperforate special edition: limited remaining stock.
PostEurop Innovation Award 2021
PostEurop is the European Postal Association — the official organization of European postal operators. The PostEurop Innovation Award goes annually to the most innovative postage initiatives.
2021 Award:
- Winner: Other initiative (not publicly clearly confirmed)
- Runner-Up: Liechtensteinische Post for Stamp 4.0
- Evaluated criteria: technology innovation, collector engagement, product quality
The Runner-Up status confirms:
- Technological pioneer position (SQR code, game element)
- Official European recognition
- Industry reference model
Collector Value and Secondary Market
As of May 2026:
| Variant | Original price | Estimated secondary market |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (42,000) | CHF 5.20 | CHF 15-30 (3-6× increase) |
| Imperforate (3,200) | CHF 60 | CHF 200-400 (3-7× increase) |
Secondary market channels:
- OpenSea: for NFT trading
- eBay, Catawiki: for physical stamps
- Stamp auctions: occasional listings (Heinrich Köhler, Swiss auctions)
Comparison with Stamp 4.2 (2023)
Liechtenstein extended the tech platform to Stamp 4.2 in 2023 for the Unity edition (LI-CH 100 years Customs Treaty):
| Property | Stamp 4.0 (2021) | Stamp 4.2 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Weitblick/Perspective | Unity/LI-CH 100 years |
| App platform | Android initial | Android + iOS |
| Face value | CHF 5.20 | CHF 9.00 |
| Game mode | Puzzle mechanics | Story mode with historical anecdotes |
| Innovation level | Pioneer | Incremental extension |
Stamp 4.2 builds on Stamp 4.0 — same tech platform, extended game mechanics, new story themes (Swiss-Liechtenstein relationship, Annual Duck Race, 1861 soldiers, Prince Franz Josef II's WW2 diplomacy).
Significance in the Wiki
This pioneer edition is structurally central in the Liechtenstein programme:
- First SQR code crypto stamp worldwide
- Pioneer position in the early wave 2019-2021
- PostEurop Award recognition
- Game element innovator (unique in the crypto stamp space)
- Hybrid model with face value (regulatorily safe, no conflict with virtual asset classification)
- Own tech platform (Stamp 4.0 as alternative to standard solutions)
This edition sets the tech and marketing standards that Liechtenstein used for the subsequent 14+ editions. It is the foundation of the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SQR code (Smart QR Code)?
An SQR code is a Smart QR Code — an improved version of the standard QR code. It is significantly more compact than standard QR, fitting on a 32×38mm stamp without dominating the aesthetic. Through cryptographic signing, it is counterfeit-proof and cannot be easily copied. Scanning requires a smartphone with macro lens function, which prevents accidental scanning by third parties. Each stamp has a unique SQR code as its digital fingerprint. Liechtenstein was the first issuer to use SQR codes for crypto stamps in 2021. The technology was not adopted by other issuers — most still use standard QR codes or stamp-specific solutions.
How does the game element work?
After purchase, the user scans the SQR code with the Philately Liechtenstein app. The app randomly mixes stamps before shipping — the buyer doesn't know which of the 4 game characters is assigned to their stamp. After verification, the user can solve puzzles featuring Liechtenstein stories and unlock their game character after completing all puzzles. The character can then be stored in the personal data room on the blockchain, establishing NFT ownership. Points are collected through solved puzzles, faster times, and multiple stamps for the leaderboard, with top performers becoming Stamp Prince of Liechtenstein. This game mechanic is unique in the crypto stamp space.