A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger of transactions that is used to record data in a secure and tamper-proof manner. A blockchain consists of a series of „blocks,“ which contain a list of transactions. Each block is linked to the previous one, creating a chain of blocks that cannot be altered without changing the entire chain. This means that once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be deleted or altered. Furthermore, entries are distributed among many different users and computers, with each user maintaining a copy of the ledger.

These aspects make the blockchain a powerful tool for recording and verifying data in a secure, trustworthy, and transparent way.

Cryptostamps® use this technology to make their stamps tamper proof by linking the physical stamp with a digital token in the blockchain and therefore transferring the security aspects onto the physical product. To achieve this linkage between physical and digital components NFC technology and QR codes are used.

An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique digital asset that represents ownership or proof of authenticity of a specific item, such as artwork, music, videos, or even stamps. Each NFT is unique and cannot be replicated. The ownership and transaction history of NFTs are recorded on a blockchain, providing a transparent and secure method of verifying their authenticity and ownership.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless technology standard that enables communication between two devices that are within close proximity of each other. The NFC technology opens up new possibilities for secure and easy verification of physical assets, such as collectibles, artworks, and documents, in a world where the risk of counterfeiting is increasing.

With the Cryptstamp®, we’ve embedded encrypted NFC microchip that lets you verify the authenticity of your NFT stamp, by sending one-time messages that alters with each scan.

To use this NFC feature, simply activate the NFC function on your smartphone and hold your Cryptostamp® close to your device. Your smartphone will detect the NFC chip, and will show you if the stamp is genuine.

The Cryptstamps® use the Polygon protocol, which was created to counteract issues with scalability and high transaction fees of other blockchain protocols. Polygon is often referred to as a „Layer-2 solution“ because it operates on a separate blockchain network that is built on top of the Ethereum main chain. The Polygon network is designed to handle a large volume of transactions while maintaining low fees, while benefiting of Ethereum’s security and decentralization. This makes Polygon compatible with various NFT platforms such as OpenSea. Polygon utilizes the Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, which, in contrast to Proof-of-Work blockchains such as Bitcoin, is more environmentally friendly due to its lower energy consumption and reduced electronic waste production. Because of these sustainability and efficiency benefits, Cryptostamps® use the Polygon network.

Both the digital part and the physical product were produced in Austria by the brand Stampfinity. Stampfinity is led by a printing company that specialises in special stamps such as the Wacken NFT stamps. Further, Stampfinity developed all digital content and blockchain integrations for this project.

10.000 pieces of Cryptostamps® are issued.

100 pieces of the VIP NFT collector box are issued.