The international competition World’s Best Stamp 2025, organized under the patronage of the Universal Postal Union, the Philatelic Federation of South Africa, and the World Authority for the Development of Philately, announced its annual awards for the best postage stamp issues released in 2025. The jury evaluated the participating stamps in five categories, awarding first, second, and third place in each, and from among all category winners selected the holder of the title “World’s Best Stamp 2025.”
The “World’s Best Stamp 2025” award was presented to China for the issue World Cultural Heritage – Beijing Central Axis: Bell and Drum Towers. The stamp is part of a series dedicated to the central axis of Beijing - a historic urban line that includes key architectural landmarks from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The depicted Bell Tower (Zhonglou) and Drum Tower (Gulou) are among the most recognizable symbols of the old city. The issue is produced using mixed printing techniques with metallic elements and high detail, characteristic of contemporary Chinese philately.
In the category “Most Innovative Stamp Format,” first place again went to China with Beauty of Mathematics: Möbius Strip - a stamp die-cut in the shape of a Möbius strip, featuring UV varnish and special security elements. Second place was awarded to Liechtenstein for Crypto Stamp CHLI 2.0, a hybrid crypto‑stamp with an NFT component accessible via QR code. Third place went to Luxembourg for Deluxe Embroidery Stamp – Coat of Arms, an actual embroidered stamp continuing the country’s tradition in textile philatelic issues.
In the category “Best Souvenir Sheet,” first place was awarded to Russia for 500 Years of Russian Development of the Northern Sea Route, dedicated to the history of the Northern Sea Route and featuring maps, icebreakers, and historical expeditions. Second place went to the Czech Republic for Eliška Junková, honoring the legendary motor racing driver of the 1920s. Third place was awarded to Norway for Emigration to North America Bicentenary, marking 200 years since the beginning of Norwegian emigration to the New World.
In the category “Best Intaglio Stamp,” first place was awarded to China (Macau) for Rare Animals in China, a classic intaglio-printed issue depicting endangered species such as the giant panda and the snow leopard. Second place went to France for Winston Churchill 1874–1965, engraved by the renowned Elsa Catelin. Third place was awarded to Jordan for Jordan Saints, dedicated to early Christian saints and archaeological heritage.
In the category “Best Offset Stamp,” first place went to Portugal for EXPO Osaka 2025, depicting the national pavilion at the world exposition. Second place was awarded to Ukraine for Melitopol is Ukraine, part of the “Hero Cities” series and distinguished by its strong symbolic message. Third place went to Denmark (Faroe Islands) for Northern Gannet, dedicated to the seabird Morus bassanus and illustrated by Astrid Andreasen.
In the category “Best Mixed Printing Stamp,” first place again went to China with World Cultural Heritage – Beijing Central Axis: Bell and Drum Towers, produced using a combination of offset, intaglio, and metallic printing. Second place was awarded to Russia for Archaeological Heritage of Russia: Gold of the Huns, depicting archaeological finds from the Hunnic period and using embossing and hot stamping. Third place went to Finland (Åland) for Christmas 2025, a traditional Christmas issue featuring mixed printing techniques and embossed elements.
The World’s Best Stamp 2025 competition once again demonstrated the diversity and high quality of contemporary world philately, with the awarded issues showcasing both innovation in printing technologies and respect for cultural and historical heritage.
Sources: https://www.worldsbeststamp.com/
