News
4th stamp issue 2025
10 November, 2025
Holy Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
A Jubilee Year or Holy Year is a special jubilee year in the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Boniface VIII first proclaimed such a year for pilgrims to Rome in 1300. Since 1475, every 25th year has been celebrated as a jubilee year. The Holy Year 2025 began with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024.
The motto is “Pilgrims of Hope”, picking up on a central theme of Pope Francis. The city of Rome is expecting around 45 million pilgrims and visitors.
The souvenir sheet “Holy Year 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope” honors the two popes who will forever be associated with this year. “Pope Francis” (face value CHF 1.00), born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, died during the Jubilee Year on Easter Monday.
As Pope, he advocated dialog and peace. His successor, “Pope Leo XIV” (face value CHF 1.90), was elected pope in the fourth ballot on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost, his real name, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, making him the first US pope in history.
50th anniversary of the OSCE
In 2025, the OSCE, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, is celebrating an important anniversary: the Helsinki Final Act was signed 50 years ago. In it, the 35 participating states, including the Principality of Liechtenstein as a founding member, formulated ten basic principles to govern their relations - the so-called Helsinki Decalogue.
Three motifs commemorate this historic event. The “Finlandia Hall” (face value CHF 1.20), the venue of the CSCE conference, is an architectural landmark symbolizing the encounter between East and West. The then head of government “Dr. Walter Kieber” (face value CHF 1.90), representing Liechtenstein, left his mark on the conference and underlined the role of small states in international diplomacy.
The “CSCE Helsinki Final Act” (face value CHF 2.50) is a historic document that represents a milestone of the CSCE: the common consensus on fundamental principles of international cooperation.
For Liechtenstein, which is not a member of any other security organisation, the basic principles have been central pillars of its foreign policy since 1975. To this day, the OSCE, together with the Principality of Liechtenstein and 56 other states, pursues a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses political and military aspects as well as economic, democratic and human rights issues.
Cultural Heritage
The mill of the municipality Eschen is one of the most interesting and historically valuable buildings in Eschen. It dates back to 1778 and originally served as a wine press. At the beginning of the 20th century, when local viticulture lost its importance due to diseases on the vines and the import of foreign wines, a millers' cooperative bought the building and converted it into an electrically operated mill in 1912.
During the Second World War, production peaked at over 400 tons. Corn, wheat, rye and oats/barley were ground. In 1980, the municipality of Eschen acquired the mill and extensively renovated it. Today the mill is a listed building. The mill is still in operation. The “Millstone” motif (face value CHF 1.90) is a reminder of the historical significance of the mill.
Christmas
This year's Christmas issue features lovingly designed motifs of historical greeting cards from the original holdings of the Liechtenstein National Archives. The four stamps - “Christmas tree” (face value CHF 1.00), “Gift-giving” (face value CHF 1.20), “Friendship” (face value CHF 1.90) and “Tasty treat” (face value CHF 2.50) - appear in a practical, self-adhesive sheet of 20.
The unifying element of all the stamps is the depiction of children in atmospheric Christmas scenes: from picking out the Christmas tree and giving presents on Christmas Eve to spending the night together and the lovingly baked cookies that smell tempting - and are waiting to be discovered as a gift from angels.
Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Year of the Horse
We continue our successful series on the Chinese Signs of the Zodiac with the “Year of the Horse” (face value CHF 2.50). It begins on 17 February 2026 and lasts until 5 February 2027. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises freedom, courage and independence.
It represents people who follow their own rhythm - powerful, vibrant and with the heart of a free spirit. They see obstacles not as limits, but as an invitation to set off.
The special stamp was designed by internationally renowned artist Dr KAN Tai-keung. The harmonious combination of calligraphy, painting and carving creates a fascinating work of art - a stamp that embodies modern Chinese aesthetics at the highest level.
Young peregrine falcons – migration now and then
As part of our joint issue with the Royal Gibraltar Post Office, we are dedicating a special souvenir sheet with two stamps to the peregrine falcon. The “Peregrine Falcon juvenile” stamp (face value CHF 1.90) shows the young peregrine falcon before its departure to the south. The “Peregrine Falcon adult” motif (face value CHF 1.90) shows two peregrine falcons flying over the Liechtenstein Alps after their return.
Depending on the population, peregrine falcons can be resident birds or long-distance migrants. In central Europe, which includes Liechtenstein, young peregrines traditionally migrate to western and south-western Europe during their first year of life. The Strait of Gibraltar is an important passage for migratory birds of prey on their way to Africa.
But climate change is not only changing the landscape. It is also altering ancient patterns of animal behaviour. Many young falcons are now staying where their ancestors had to migrate. Increasingly mild winters allow them to find food even in the coldest part of the year.
The need to find wintering grounds with higher food densities in southern Europe and North Africa is no longer necessary. Their decision to spend the winter in the Alps is more than just an instinct. When migratory birds adapt or even abandon their routes, it shows how much their habitat has already changed.
