We have already reported in previous articles on Correios de Portugal’s penchant for dedicating many of its ‘etiquetas’ series to social themes. Since the 2004 series dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, Correios de Portugal has dedicated around twenty series of variable value stamps to “European Years” designated by the European Union, or “International Years” designated by the United Nations General Assembly or one of its specialised agencies, such as UNESCO, the WHO or the FAO. Furthermore, of the 46 series issued since 2002, nearly 40 are dedicated to social themes or organisations.
And 2025 was no exception. UNESCO declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This year marks the centenary of the creation of matrix mechanics, the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics by Werner Heisenberg, Max Born and Pascual Jordan, and later Erwin Schrödinger.
Why is quantum physics important?
Quantum physics has transformed our understanding of matter; it explains how particles behave on a very small scale, such as atoms and electrons, and is, in fact, the foundation of all modern technology, from mobile phones and computers to the most advanced medical equipment.
Correios de Portugal (CTT) marked this centenary by releasing a splendid series of variable value stamps, or ‘Etiquetas de Franquia Automática’, issued from its Newvision self-service postal kiosks. The three designs are by the designer Jorge Macedo and are dedicated to three Nobel laureates in physics for their work in quantum mechanics: Werner Heisenberg in 1932, Erwin Schrödinger in 1933 and Max Born in 1954. Each design features an image of the physicist and a brief description of their work.
The rolls of self-adhesive labels printed in offset were manufactured by the Portuguese FPE – Fábrica Portuguesa das Etiquetas company. The size of the label is 55 x 30 mm and all labels have a preprinted control number on the back of the silicone coated backing paper showing the number of stamps issued from that roll. Unlike previous issues, the silicone-coated backing is made from recycled paper (possibly) with highly visible fibres, as can be seen in the image.
The ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ series was progressively available from June 9th 2025, from the few remaining Newvision postal kiosks installed at CTT post offices throughout the country (see article).
The basic sets, also sold by the philatelic service, are made up of the main postal rates programmed at the kiosks on the date of issue. The four values are for non-priority mail or Correio Normal (0.69 – 1.08 – 1.21 – 1.33 €) and a further two for priority/urgent mail or CORREIO AZUL (0.95 – 4.57 €), as per the table below.
Stamps with other postal tariffs, corresponding to the different tariff zones and the first seven weight steps, are available from the Newvision E-Post 2000 M postal kiosks, with the larger colour screen (right picture).
Official / Pictorial first day cover with the three stamp designs, and Lisbon special postmark
Official / Pictorial first day cover with the four-value set for normal mail, printed on one of the designs, and the special postmark
(English edition last rewritten by J. Gareze – August 2026)
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