In the following blog post, I introduce you to the new stamps issued by Liechtenstein Post this spring. In addition to presenting the stamps and their release occasions, you will find all the important details about each individual stamp. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of philately and discover the stories behind these special editions.
80th birthday of H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II.
Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein was born in Zurich on February 14, 1945. He is the eldest son of Prince Franz Josef II and Princess Gina. After attending school in Liechtenstein, Vienna and Switzerland, he studied business administration and economics at the University of St. Gallen. As early as the 1970s, he took over the reorganization of the family assets and developed LGT Group into a successful private bank. He became his father’s deputy in 1984 and succeeded him as head of state in 1989. During his time in office, he focused on strengthening Liechtenstein’s independence and pursued an active foreign policy. Under his leadership, the country joined the UN in 1990 and the European Economic Area (EEA) in 1995.
He describes his political philosophy in his book The State in the Third Millennium (2009). In it, he argues for market-oriented, lean governance and emphasizes the right of self-determination of regions down to the municipal level. He sees states as service providers for their citizens, who should be free to decide for or against their affiliation. In 2004, he handed over the reins of office to his son, Hereditary Prince Alois, but remains active as head of state.
He is particularly dedicated to the management of the family fortune and the Princely art collections. Under his leadership, the Princely Collections were enriched by more than 1,000 objects, and in 2004 he opened the Liechtenstein Museum in the Garden Palace in Vienna, where works from the Princely Collection are presented.
In addition to the two stamps issued in his honor, Philately Liechtenstein is issuing a limited special edition in the form of a se-tenant on the same day, 14.2.2025. The numbered souvenir sheet with the “80th birthday” (value CHF 3.10) and “H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II” (value CHF 4.30) stamps is printed on fine silk and comes in a gold folder with foil embossing.
Details of the stamps:
- Valuation/motive
-
- CHF 3.10 80th birthday
- CHF 4.30 H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II
-
- Issue date: 14 February 2025
- Stamp format: 30 x 40 mm
- Perforation: 13 ¼ x 13
- Sheet format: 100 x 74 mm
- Design: Michèle Steffen-Goop, Vaduz
- Printing: Offset 4-colour CMYK + 2 Pantone
- Cartor Security Printing,
- Meaucé la Loupe
- Paper: PVA 110 g/m², gummed
- Print run: 17,000
Brass Music
Brass music is a deeply rooted tradition in Liechtenstein and plays an essential role in the Principality’s community and culture. Many of the 30 or so brass bands in the country are closely linked to the village communities and contribute to Liechtenstein’s cultural identity. The four stamps in this series are not only a tribute to this musical tradition, but also a recognition of the social importance of the brass bands, which often perform at festive occasions and important events.
The brass band association is also an important social space where intergenerational relationships are fostered and cultural heritage is passed on. The stamps were designed in a way that emphasizes both the musicality and the instruments themselves, reflecting the cultural importance of brass music in a graphically appealing way.
Details of the stamps:
- Valuation/Motive
- CHF 1.00 Andante
- CHF 1.20 Moderato
- CHF 1.90 Allegro
- CHF 2.50 Presto
- Date of issue: 3 March 2025
- Stamp format: 32 x 38 mm
- Perforation: 12 ¾ x 12 ¾
- Sheet format: 146 x 208 mm
- Design: Isabella Hutter, Diepoldsau
- Printing: Offset 4-color CMYK
- Gutenberg AG, Schaan
- Paper: Primus Securapost FSC 180 g/m²
- Self-adhesive (water-soluble)
- Print run of definitive stamps
80 years of the Liechtenstein Red Cross
The Liechtenstein Red Cross was founded in 1945 and has since developed into a key institution for humanitarian aid in the Principality. It is part of the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent system and is involved not only in providing first aid and rescue services, but also in social projects, disaster relief and international peace missions. The founder of the Liechtenstein Red Cross was Gina von Liechtenstein, a committed philanthropist and woman with a deep passion for social work and humanitarian principles. Under her leadership, the Liechtenstein Red Cross was established as a national organization that not only provided emergency aid, but also long-term support for those in need and the promotion of health and security services.
The 80th anniversary stamp shows a link between the past and the present by paying tribute to the humanitarian tasks that the Red Cross has been carrying out for decades. In particular, the values of humanity are symbolized on these stamps, underlining the central role of the Red Cross in global and local humanitarian work.
Details of the stamps:
- Tax – Motives
- CHF 1.20 Catching
- CHF 1.90 Protect
- Date of issue: 3. March 2025
- Stamp format: 33.334 x 38.334 mm
- Perforation: 12 ¼ x 12 ¼
- Sheet Format: 146 x 208 mm
- Design: Eliane Schädler, Triesenberg
- Print: Offset 4-farbig CMYk
- Gutenberg AG, Schaan
- Paper: FSC 110 g/m²
- gummed
- Print run: 21 600
EUROPA – National archaeological excavations
As part of the EUROPA 2025 series, Liechtenstein is focusing on archaeological discoveries of significance to the country’s history. One example of this is the discovery in 1932 of an ensemble of ten massive cast bronze figures from the Late Iron Age (8th-1st century BC) on the south-eastern slope of the Gutenberg castle hill (Balzers). These votive figures, which are associated with layers of ash and animal bones, point to a nearby cremation sacrifice site.
The figures show influences from Celtic and Rhaetian culture and can be divided into three themes: War, fertility and animals. Three human figures are depicted on one stamp and a stag on the other. Among the human figures, which resemble Etruscan models, one depicts a warrior equipped with Rhaetian protective armor. Two other figures, showing striking sexual characteristics and large ears as well as outstretched hands, symbolize fertility. The second stamp depicts a stag, which is regarded as the companion of high Celtic deities. The different qualities and compositions of the figures indicate different workshops and/or production times.
Details zu den Marken:
- Valuation/Motive
- CHF 1.90 Deer
- CHF 1.90 Warriors
- Date of issue: 18. March 2025
- Stamp format: 33.334 x 38.334 mm
- Perforation: 12 ¼ × 12 ¼
- Sheet format: 175 × 120 mm
- Design: Armin Hoop, Ruggell
- Print: Offset 4-farbig CMYK
- Gutenberg AG, Schaan
- Paper: FSC 110 g/m²
- gummed
- Print run: 22 000