175 years of Swiss Post

Two new CHF1.20 stamps were issued on 21 March to mark the 175th anniversary of Swiss Post. Since it was founded in 1849, the company has been connecting the landscapes and different linguistic areas of the country. Although the first stamps were issued by the individual cantons in 1843, federal stamps followed in 1850. Adorned with the Swiss cross and the symbol of a post horn, the stamps were valid throughout Switzerland, with their value determind by distance.

Over its history, Swiss Post has adapted to society’s changing needs, ranging from delivery by coach to crypto stamps. Stamps designs have become more diverse and have often supported humanitarian causes and charities, such as stamps for the Pro Juventute foundation from 1912 and those for Pro Pratia since 1938. Technological innovations have also played their part in the designs, with embroidered stamps in 2001, hologram stamps in 2002, Braille stamps in 2003 and a stamp containing cement pigment was issued in 2023.

To find out how the public see Swiss Post today, a competition challenged students studying graphic design at the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art to design a stamp. The jury selected Svenja Kolly’s and Mia Gujer’s designs symbolising Swiss Post’s connecting and networking role. All 23 entries in the competition are bing presented in a travelling exhibition at Swiss Post branches.