Unconventional crypto stamps treated as products

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

Crypto stamps have seemingly become all the rage for a number of postal administrations of the world looking to capitalize on the craze.

Crypto is short for cryptocurrency, a currency that exists only digitally.

These stamp issues usually carry high denominations and typically see very little use in the mail.

Guernsey Post recently announced a new Guernsey Goat crypto stamp that is pictured nearby. It was to debut in July, but according to an email to Scott catalog editors in September, “the sale of our highly anticipated Guernsey Goat crypto stamps has been indefinitely delayed due to some technical matters.”

The stamp design features a Golden Guernsey goat with various landmarks in the background and carries a £10 denomination.

What is interesting about the Guernsey issue is the following sentence in a press release announcing the stamp:

“Unlike conventional stamps used for mailing purposes, Guernsey’s crypto stamps are limited edition, non-postage, collectable products with a digital artifact designed for collectors and NFT enthusiasts alike.”

“Non-postage,” meaning it can’t be used for mailing. So, is it a stamp? Nope. Postal officials consider it to be a product. Stamp catalogers would consider this a cinderella, a stamp-like label.

So, what do stamp collectors do? Scott catalog editors most certainly will not list the issue, but might footnote it in case someone is trying to locate the item at a future date.

What do readers think about crypto stamps? Many of these stamps are expensive and issued in limited quantities.

Let the Linn’s editorial team know your thoughts via email at linnseditorial@amosmedia.com.

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