news
3rd stamp issue
02 September 2024
100 Years of the Swiss Franc in the Principality of Liechtenstein
One year after the Principality joined the Swiss customs territory in 1923 under what is known as the Customs Treaty, the Swiss franc was introduced as the legal currency in Liechtenstein.
Due to its close ties with Austria, the small state was hit hard economically by the effects of the First World War. Among other things, the value of the Austrian krone, Liechtenstein’s currency at the time, plummeted. As a result, the Swiss franc gradually gained acceptance as a means of payment among the population and businesses as early as around 1920.
A first political step towards the new currency was the introduction of taxes and fees in Swiss francs which was followed by the postal treaty and the issue of Liechtenstein stamps in Swiss franc denominations. From 1922, the national accounts were only kept in Swiss francs. Finally, in April 1924, the new currency was formally introduced by parliament, the Landtag.
We are commemorating this economically and socially significant event with our "Helvetia" souvenir sheet (face value: CHF 3.90) with elegant gold foil embossing.
For the first time since 2019, this stamp issue includes six new coins, which will also be issued to mark the occasion.
Way Shrines in Liechtenstein
Wayside shrines are religious monuments that often stand along public paths or roads. They are usually dedicated to a saint whose protection and intercession the faithful pray for. One such wayside shrine, which is clearly visible from the road, is the "Barbara-Kappile" (face value: CHF 1.00) near the quarry in Liechtenstein's northernmost municipality of Ruggell.
The Liechtenstein sculptor and master stonemason Eckhard Wollwage designed the monument in the shape of a small chapel.
It contains a figure of St Barbara, the patron saint of miners. An inscription invokes her blessing when working on rock. Small grottoes and wayside shrines are often found in tunnels and at tunnel entrances. St Barbara has been the patron saint of miners and tunnel builders for centuries.
The Christian martyr stands for resilience and steadfastness and is a reminder of the dangers lurking inside a mountain. She herself is said to have escaped from a tower in which her pagan father had locked her up because of her faith. According to the legend, her escape led her through a dangerous crevice in the rock.
Princely Treasures – Palaces and Castles – III
Three gouaches by painter Ferdinand Runk have been selected to continue our series on treasures from the Princely Collections. They all depict landscapes in which the palaces and castles of the House of Liechtenstein were located. The ruins of "Mödling Castle" (face value: CHF 1.00) are located above the Mödlingbach Valley in Lower Austria.
In the 19th century, the hilltop castle was one of the largest fortifications and offered observation posts a good view.
Nestled in the hilly landscape around Adamov (German: Adamsthal) in the Czech Republic lies "Novigrad Castle" (face value: CHF 1.20).
First mentioned in writing in 1381 and fought over several times, it was converted into a hunting lodge by the House of Liechtenstein between 1800 and 1806.
Between the 17th and 20th centuries, the ruling dukes of Liechtenstein transformed their dominions in South Moravia into an impressive landscape spanning 143 square kilometres, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both indigenous and exotic natural elements have been brought into harmony with cultural monuments from successive eras, one of which is the neo-Gothic "Lednice Castle" (face value: CHF 1.90).
Village Views – Ruggell
Two tradition-steeped buildings adorn the latest special stamps in our Village Views series. Both are located in the municipality of Ruggell and are depicted as black-and-white photographs on a colour graded backdrop.
Built in 1730/31, the "Küefer-Martis-Huus" (face value: CHF 1.00) is one of the rare examples of representative baroque farmhouses in our region. It was inhabited until 1993 before the municipality of Ruggell acquired it in 1997 and subsequently classified it as a historical monument.
The building was opened as a museum as well as a culture and meeting centre in 2002. Exhibitions on regional themes and events are held there on a regular basis. The ground floor has been faithfully restored to its original state. In the kitchen, old items of furniture bear witness to the simple life in earlier times.
The "Old Vicarage" (face value: CHF 1.20) is located on Dorfstrasse. According to archived accounts, the wooden house was built in 1856/57. Designed and built with dovetail joints, it has an almost square floor plan and is covered only slightly by a projecting hipped roof on all sides. It was renovated and restored to its original condition in 2011/12.
Crypto-Fox with NFT
We are continuing our popular blockchain series with the "Business Fox" souvenir sheet (face value: CHF 9.50). Following the 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 stamps (2021 - 2023), our latest crypto stamp has a completely new design and features an NFT (non-fungible token) for the very first time.
The water-activated adhesive postage stamp contains an SQR code that connects the analogue and digital worlds. By scanning the SQR code, the digital twin of the stamp is stored in the Stamp 4.1 app (Android & iOS).
Four different collector's items relating to a "Forest Habitat" provide additional fun as the "Business Fox" moves around on the stamp. We have already hidden one of the four collector's items on the souvenir sheet, where it can be discovered.
In addition to the fun factor, our crypto stamp series is well known for its security aspects. Owners can check the authenticity of their stamps by scanning the printed SQR code and transfer their property to the digital data room. The NFT can be traded on well-known platforms.
Special Issue Crypto-Fox with NFT
In addition to the souvenir sheet, a strictly limited special edition of 1,700 stamps will be issued. Designed in the style of a beautiful winter landscape, the stamp comes in an elegant, handmade blue folder with silver embossing. The retail price is CHF 59.00. As with the special edition, each individual stamp in this special edition is unique and offers the same digital functions, information and entertainment value.
