2020
UN Crypto Stamps
The UN Crypto Stamps are UNPA crypto stamps on the Ethereum blockchain with scratch-off activation. The programme uses a three-location architecture (New York, Geneva, Vienna) with local currencies (USD/CHF/EUR). The first series on the 17 SDGs launched on 24 November 2020, followed by Series II on Peace in November 2022. All editions were designed by Sergio Baradat (UNPA) and printed by Royal Joh Enschedé. Each edition produced 30,000 mini-sheets per location. Series III is planned for 2025/2026.
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The Family: UN Crypto Stamps
The UN Crypto Stamps family includes all crypto stamp editions of UNPA — so far two series (2020, 2022) with consistent tech architecture.
Common Tech Architecture
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Blockchain | Ethereum mainnet |
| Token standard | (presumably) ERC-721 |
| Smart contract | Developed by UN OICT |
| Activation | Scratch-off code |
| Platform | crypto.unstamps.org |
| Wallet connection | MetaMask + other Ethereum wallets |
| Secondary market | OpenSea (external) |
| Designer | Sergio Baradat (UNPA) |
| Printer | Royal Joh Enschedé (NL) |
| Print process | Hexachrome + foil |
| Stamp format | 25 × 35 mm |
| Sheet format | 84 × 55 mm (mini-sheet) |
The Two Series
Series I — 24.11.2020 (SDGs)
Theme: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — 17 global development goals of the UN.
| Location | Face value | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | USD $7.75 | 30,000 |
| Geneva | CHF 8.00 | 30,000 |
| Vienna | EUR 7.00 | 30,000 |
51 variations (3 locations × 17 SDGs) — one of the largest variation counts in the crypto stamp space.
Series II — 18.11.2022 (Peace)
Theme: Peace — symbols of peace and the word "Peace" in 6 languages (presumably the 6 official UN languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese).
| Location | Face value | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | USD $4.50 | 30,000 |
| Geneva | CHF 3.80 | 30,000 |
| Vienna | EUR 3.65 | 30,000 |
21 variations (3 locations × 7 designs) — including a limited edition variation.
Important: Face values significantly reduced from Series I (CHF 8 → CHF 3.80) — presumably adjustment to standard letter postage.
Three-Currency Collector Logic
A UNPA edition consists of three parallel stamps that together form a complete collector set:
- USD stamp from New York
- CHF stamp from Geneva
- EUR stamp from Vienna
Each stamp has identical design (except face value and location indicator). Collectors often aim for the complete three-location set.
Consequence for NFTs:
- Per edition 3 smart contract drops are conducted (NY/Geneva/Vienna)
- Activation codes are location-specific
- NFT collector sets often require all three currency versions
Scratch-Off Activation Mechanic
Detail workflow:
- Purchase of a mini-sheet (on-site or online at unstamps.org)
- Scratch-off: customer scratches off sealed layer
- Code reading: secret code (typically alphanumeric)
- Platform access: open crypto.unstamps.org
- Wallet connection: MetaMask or other Ethereum wallet
- Code entry: enter secret code in activation form
- NFT transfer: smart contract transfers NFT to user wallet
Important: Activation is final — damaged scratch-off areas cannot be returned, codes cannot be reused.
Comparison with Other Crypto Stamp Families
| Family | Editions | Variations | Tech | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT/Variuscard CS | 5 | ~10-25 | Polygon | QR code |
| HR Crypto Stamps | 7 | ~30 | Polygon | QR code |
| UN Crypto Stamps | 2 series | 72 (51 + 21) | Ethereum | Scratch-off |
| FR NFTimbre | 7 | ~50 | Tezos | QR code |
| US VeVe | 24+ | ~50 | Immutable X | App-based |
UN stands out through:
- Ethereum mainnet (instead of Polygon Layer-2)
- Scratch-off activation (instead of QR code)
- Three-location architecture (instead of single issuer country)
- High variation count (72 in only 2 series)
Strategic Framework
UN Crypto Stamps are not isolated editions, but part of the "Strategy on New Technologies for the United Nations" (December 2018). This strategy establishes blockchain as one of four key technologies (AI, biotech, blockchain, robotics) to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
The UN Crypto Stamps demonstrate:
- Practical application of the strategy
- Public visibility for UN tech initiative
- SDG integration into everyday collector behavior
Series III: Expectation
According to UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) Tender #222968, a Series III is in preparation — expected launch 2025/2026. Theme not yet publicly known.
Significance in the Wiki
This family documents:
- Pioneer #3 worldwide (Series I 24.11.2020)
- Three-location architecture (NY/Geneva/Vienna) — structurally unique
- Ethereum mainnet tech (vs. dominant Polygon line)
- Scratch-off activation as tech innovation
- UN value themes (SDGs, Peace) instead of national symbols
- High variation count (72 variations in 2 series)
- Strategic UN tech framework ("Strategy on New Technologies")
The UN Crypto Stamps are the conceptually most ambitious crypto stamp family in the wiki — connecting philately, blockchain tech, and global value mission in a coherent edition line.
Editions in this family
| Issued | Edition | ISO | Chain | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-18 | UN Crypto Stamp Series II – Peace Symbols | INTL | ethereum | mainstream |
| 2020-11-24 | UN Crypto Stamp Series I – UN Headquarters & 17 SDGs | INTL | ethereum | mainstream |