On the 23rd March 2021, The UK issued its first stamp that contains a unique 2D ‘Datamatrix’ barcode as part of the design of each stamp.
This stamp is an ‘oversize’ 2nd Class Machin, issued in business books of 50 and available via a very limited number of outlets (Currently limited to Viking Direct).
This barcode will allow for various new services to be introduced by Royal Mail as well as adding a new layer of security.
New Services
Tracking
As each stamp is uniquely numbered it will be possible for Royal Mail (or any other developer) to publish a simple smartphone app that allows for simple tracking of a letter as it goes through its journey. The unique barcode will be ‘scannable’ by the mail centre equipment and will provide updates to the sender via updates on their smartphone. All the poster has to do is scan the stamp’s barcode using their phone, pop the stamp into a postbox and its journey will be monitored an any updates advised.
Philatelic Information
Barcoded stamps have a multitude of information contained within them – including the date of printing and other data that can identify the theme of issue etc. This information could be decoded by a smartphone and presented to collectors to provide background information on the issue etc contribute to the collectibility of stamps in general and barcoded stamps in particular.
See what is included in the stamps barcode here
Security
Barcoded stamps are uniquely placed to increase the security of stamps as they are digitally signed via a cryptographic signature contained within the barcode that validates the stamp as genuine. This should provide an additional layer of security as simply copying these stamps would result in the mail centre equipment rejecting any incorrectly signed stamps as invalid.
The new stamp on a special FDC is available here:
Mint Stamps are available here:
Items available on ebay here
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