Australia Post to launch new 'DigiStamps' for Lunar New Year as part of plan to 'modernise'

Australia Post is launching its first 'DigiStamp' in what it says is part of a move to "modernise."

For Lunar New Year, as well as launching offering themed stamps, the new technology will also be on offer for collectors to mark the Year of the Horse.

The digital stamp "represents a modern evolution of stamp collecting," 216-year old Australia Post says.

READ MORE: 'Grave fears' for Sydney grandfather after 'mistaken identity' kidnapping

While the stamp by Sydney artist Chrissy Lau is available now, the digital collectables will be available from next month.

Each 'DigiStamp' will pair a traditional postage stamp with a secure digital counterpart on the blockchain, activated by scanning a QR code on the back of the card, Australia Post says.

Once activated, a digital token, costing $15 each, is displayed online as a collectable.

They feature three horse designs which Australia Post says symbolise perception and power: the Plum Blossom Fire Horse, the Fire Lantern Horse and the Longevity Knot Fire Horse.

EPSTEIN FILES: US officials list hundreds of prominent people named in documents

Australia Pot General Manager Retail Product and Supply Chain, Kayla Le Cornu, said the introduction of DigiStamps "reflects the organisation's commitment to evolving with collectors while honouring tradition".

"Stamps have always captured the spirit of their era, and with the launch of our first 'DigiStamps' it marks a defining moment in the history of collecting," Le Cornu said.

"By blending a centuries-old tradition with digital innovation, 'DigiStamps' are a tangible example of how Australia Post continues to modernise as a 21st-century, digitally enabled postal operator."

NATIONAL: Half of Australia set for major soaking, millions warned

Last week the company said it is planning to lift stamp prices by 15 cents per letter from the middle of the year to offset losses.

The postal service announced it was seeking approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to increase the basic postage rate from $1.70 to $1.85.

The price of concession stamps and seasonal greeting cards won't change, remaining at 60 cents and 65 cents respectively.

READ MORE: Huge Origin shake-up announced after Ponga bombshell