The Italian postal service, Poste Italiane, has introduced an innovative collection of postage stamps that combines traditional philatelic materials with modern technology. This marks one of the first instances where physical stamps are accompanied by their digital counterparts based on blockchain technology. Previously, Indonesia's postal service announced the launch of NFT stamps.
What Are Hybrid Stamps?
The new series, called "Collezione gialla", includes 400 numbered sets. Each set contains:
- A cryptocard that acts as a bridge to the Digital Twin NFT.
- 4 folders from the "corriere prioritario" collection, spanning the years 1999 to 2008.
- A leaflet dedicated to the 160th anniversary of the postal service.
In addition, the digital version provides an extra layer of protection and proof of ownership.
Each set includes not only physical stamps but also a special card with access codes. These codes allow users to obtain the NFT version of the stamp, which is linked to its owner. NFTs can be activated until December 31, 2025, with all data securely stored on the blockchain.
Advantages of Blockchain for Collecting
According to experts, blockchain solves several key issues of traditional collecting methods:
- Authentication: Each NFT serves as a digital certificate that cannot be forged.
- Transparency: Blockchain records the entire ownership history of the stamp.
- Preservation: The collection now exists in two forms—physical and digital.
- Security: Smart contracts ensure the authenticity and legality of every stamp.
Significance for the Market
The launch of this collection could attract a new generation of collectors interested in digital technologies. Poste Italiane is opening new opportunities for other collecting markets, demonstrating how technology can complement rather than replace traditional approaches.
The "Collezione gialla" collection is available for purchase at Italian post offices, specialized philatelic spaces, and on the website filatelia.poste.it. This makes it accessible to both traditional collectors and technology enthusiasts.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not an ad or investment advice. Please do your own research making any decisions.
