Soccer ball stamp

Early next month Austria will issue a stamp made of the same material as a soccer ball to promote UEFA EURO 2008.

Some 490,000 of the special stamps (which also promotes Adidas)have been made and can be purchased for €3.75. According to the site, countless analyses and trials were made over many months in order to ensure that this material could be printed on.

The head of philately at the Austrian Post Office, Erich Haas, is quoted as saying, "It is the country's the most sophisticated stamp in terms of typography and fabric."

UEFA EURO 2008 is the largest sporting event ever held in Austria. It will take place from June 7-29, 2008.

To learn more and/or to place an order, click here.