Index · Edition · un-crypto-series-ii-2022
UN Crypto Stamp Series II – Peace Symbols
UNPA triple issue – New York, Geneva, Vienna
Symbols of peace (dove, olive branch, etc.) and the word "Peace" in the 6 official UN languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese). Seven variations per location including a limited edition variation. Designer: Sergio Baradat (UNPA). Three parallel locations: New York ($4.50), Geneva (CHF 3.80), Vienna (€3.65) — significantly reduced face values vs. Series I (standard letter postage adjustment). Tech identical to Series I: Ethereum mainnet, scratch-off activation, OICT smart contract.
The second UN crypto stamp edition launched on 18 November 2022, two years after Series I. Theme: Peace — symbols of peace combined with the word Peace in the 6 official UN languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese). 21 variations total (3 locations × 7 designs), including a limited edition variation obtainable only through random activation. Three parallel locations: New York (USD 4.50), Geneva (CHF 3.80), Vienna (EUR 3.65) — significantly reduced face values vs. Series I (CHF 8 → 3.80), adjusted to standard letter postage. Tech identical to Series I: Ethereum mainnet, scratch-off activation, OICT smart contract. Designer: Sergio Baradat (UNPA), printer: Royal Joh Enschedé, Hexachrome + Foil, 25 × 35 mm stamp format, 84 × 55 mm mini-sheet. Mintage: 30,000 per location = 90,000 total.
History
The UN Postal Administration released Series II on 18 November 2022, two years after Series I. Theme: Peace with the word displayed in 6 UN languages.
Technical Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 18 November 2022 |
| Theme | Peace in 6 UN languages |
| Variations | 21 (3 locations × 7 designs) |
| Limited edition | Yes (randomly assigned) |
| Mintage per location | 30,000 |
| Total mintage | 90,000 |
| Stamp format | 25 × 35 mm |
| Sheet format | 84 × 55 mm mini-sheet |
| Hexachrome + foil | |
| Printer | Royal Joh Enschedé |
| Designer | Sergio Baradat (UNPA) |
| Tech partner | UN OICT |
| Blockchain | Ethereum mainnet |
| Activation | Scratch-off code |
Face Values
| Location | Series I | Series II | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | USD 7.75 | USD 4.50 | -42% |
| Geneva | CHF 8.00 | CHF 3.80 | -53% |
| Vienna | EUR 7.00 | EUR 3.65 | -48% |
The reduction aligned prices with standard letter postage rates.
Design
The stamps display Peace in the 6 official UN languages:
| Language | Word |
|---|---|
| English | Peace |
| French | Paix |
| Spanish | Paz |
| Russian | Мир (Mir) |
| Arabic | السلام (As-salām) |
| Chinese | 和平 (Hépíng) |
Additional motifs include peace symbols: dove with olive branch.
Variant Distribution and Rarity
21 variations total: 3 locations × 7 designs (6 language variations + 1 limited edition).
Upon activation of a mini-sheet, one of the 7 variations is randomly assigned. Buyers do not know before activation which variation they will receive. The limited edition has lower assignment probability, estimated under 5%.
This creates a lottery element during activation. Limited edition stamps command higher prices on the secondary market. Multiple activations by collectors seeking the limited edition were common.
Technical Architecture
Series II uses the same technical stack as Series I:
- Ethereum mainnet
- Smart contract by UN OICT
- Scratch-off activation
- Platform: crypto.unstamps.org
- Designer: Sergio Baradat
- Printer: Royal Joh Enschedé
Context
The Peace theme reflected global tensions in 2022, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in February 2022, Middle East tensions, and Security Council deadlocks.
Cancellation
The cancellation postmark features a dove of peace. Date: 18 November 2022.
Reception
Series II confirmed the UN Crypto Stamps as a continuing programme rather than a single experiment. The multilingual approach with 6 UN languages was unique among crypto stamp releases. The random variation mechanic with limited edition rarity introduced a new collector dynamic. The face value reduction to standard postage levels broadened market appeal.
The 21 variations represented a more compact architecture compared to Series I's 51 variations.
Future Releases
Series III is in preparation via UN tender UNGM 222968. Expected launch: 2025-2026. Theme not yet announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 6 official UN languages?
The six official UN languages are English (Peace), French (Paix), Spanish (Paz), Russian (Мир/Mir), Arabic (السلام/As-salām), and Chinese (和平/Hépíng). These were established as working languages at the UN founding in 1945 and represent the languages of the five permanent Security Council members plus Spanish for the Hispanic world. In the UN Crypto Stamps Series II, the word Peace appears in all six languages.
What does the limited edition variation mean?
Series II has 7 variations per location — six standard variations (one per UN language) plus a limited edition variation. Upon activation of a mini-sheet, one of the 7 variations is randomly assigned. Buyers do not know before activation which variation they will receive. The limited edition is the rarest variation with significantly smaller assignment probability (presumably under 5%). This creates an excitement moment during activation and limited edition activations achieve higher prices on the secondary market.
References
- officialUN Crypto Stamps Series II — UNPA Shopen
- officialUN Crypto Stamps Activation Platformen