Liechtenstein — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

The Liechtensteinische Post AG operates the principality’s postal services, with philatelic issues managed through the Philatelic Service (Briefmarken und Münzen Liechtenstein). Liechtenstein, one of the world’s few doubly landlocked countries, began issuing stamps in 1912. Despite its tiny size (160 km²), Liechtenstein maintains one of Europe’s most respected philatelic programmes. Swiss Post handles mail transit, and Liechtenstein stamps are denominated in Swiss francs. The principality is a member of both the Swiss customs union and EFTA.

Notable Stamp Issues

Liechtenstein’s first stamps in 1912 depicted Prince Johann II in a classical engraved portrait. The country has maintained a high standard of engraved stamp production throughout its history, working with leading European security printers. Highlights include the 1930 landscape series photographed in the principality, the 1941 Paintings series reproducing works from the Liechtenstein princely art collection, and the postwar EUROPA series. Liechtenstein’s art stamps reproducing old master paintings from the Vaduz collections are internationally admired.

Collecting Tips

Liechtenstein stamps are listed in the Zumstein catalogue (Swiss standard) and Michel. The country produces a modest but high-quality annual programme making complete collections achievable. Early Liechtenstein stamps (1912–1940) are relatively affordable. The principality’s art stamps reproducing paintings from the Liechtenstein Museum collections are popular with art thematic collectors. Liechtenstein’s philatelic service in Vaduz provides excellent collector services. The principality also produces commemorative coins alongside stamps.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.