Innovation builds on tradition: the illustrated book featuring our philatelic masterpieces

For more than two decades, Austrian Post Philately has been setting internationally recognised milestones when it comes to celebrating the postage stamp – the iconic postal token – and securing its future.
Now, an exclusive illustrated book, published in both German and English, offers insights into the outstanding technical innovations of the last 20 years.

The tradition of Austrian stamps began 175 years ago. From 1850 to 2025 – a long stretch of time in which the world has inevitably changed greatly, not least in the field of communication. What once worked exclusively in analogue form now happens increasingly in digital channels. And yet, the stamp with its unmistakable design has endured. This is largely thanks to the openness to conceptual and technical innovations that characterises Austrian Post Philately.

The philatelic innovation journey began in 2004 with a stamp refined with genuine Swarovski crystals. Since then, almost every year has brought new masterpieces, both in terms of materials and production techniques. A current highlight, 20 years later, is the reimagining of an embroidered edelweiss stamp from 2005, this time produced using 3D printing. Both stamps are included in their original form in this publication, designed by graphic artist and stamp designer Marion Füllerer.

What was revolutionary in the analogue world also turned out to be spectacular in the digital realm. In 2019, Austrian Post once again made philatelic history with the Crypto stamp 1.0. The mystical unicorn was followed by other creatures from the crypto world. Further digital stamp products – Gold Editions, Crypto stamp art, Crypto stamp Comic and more – were developed, while international collaborations captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. These topics, too, are covered in the new bilingual illustrated book, with the products presented in detail.

The illustrated book will be released on 18 October 2025 and will be available in the online shop, through the Collector Service Centre, at retail outlets and selected Austrian Post branches.