Special stamps – interesting facts, awards and world records

19.04.21

Gutenberg is the only printing company in Liechtenstein and Switzerland that has the privilege of printing stamps. Therefore, the great demand among stamp users and especially collectors is by no means surprising. The high-quality production certainly plays an important role as well. Each of the countless stamps that Gutenberg has been able to print for Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Luxembourg and other European countries is unique in its own way. Today we will take a closer look at three special stamps, whether because of their production or the associated history.

Stamps with scented varnish

Gutenberg has created a fruity-scented stamp. Microscopic scent balls were mixed into the paint. When you run your finger over the quince, the tiny balls burst and you can smell the fruit. The picture below shows this exact stamp.

Self-adhesive stamps with hole perforation

Together with Liechtensteinischen Post AG Gutenberg developed a technical and philatelic world first in 2009. They managed to produce the first self-adhesive stamp with real hole perforation and a slotted front using just one machine and one process. This type of production makes it even easier to remove the individual stamps from the sheet. The picture below shows the first stamps of the then-new type of production.

First self-adhesive stamp with hole perforation

Fastest printing of a stamp

On the 100th anniversary of Liechtenstein's first postage stamp, Liechtenstein Post AG organized a competition in 2012. Anyone could submit a self-painted picture on the subject of “Liechtenstein legends”. After selecting the three winning images, printing of the stamps began immediately at Gutenberg. The team from «Guinness World Records», was present and stopped the time. After the printing was completed, we went to the “LIBA” stamp exhibition in Schaan with a police escort. It only took 57 minutes and 50 seconds from receipt of the motifs to sale at the official point of sale. The Gutenberg is therefore included in the Guinness Book of World Records 2014 for the fastest printing of a stamp. This record remains unbroken to this day. The picture below shows the three record stamps.