Praga Ars Philatelica

International competition for the most beautiful stamp in the world

Welcome to the website of the International Art Competition for the most beautiful stamp in the world Praga Ars Philatelica

ORGANISARES
MEDIA PARTNER

Philatelic journal

A competition that celebrates the beauty and creativity of philately

The International Art Competition for the World’s Most Beautiful Stamp is a prestigious event that recognises the artistic qualities of postage stamps. The competition is open to postal administrations, artists and designers from all over the world and gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent and vision on an international platform.

Focus on the artistic aspects of philately

The competition focuses on the artistic aspects of philately. The design originality, aesthetic quality, technical execution and overall impression of the stamp are evaluated. The competition categories allow a stamp to be judged from many perspectives, from the artistic design to the technique used to the printing and innovative contribution.

Beauty and creativity awards

The International Art Competition for the World’s Most Beautiful Stamp is a great opportunity for postal administrations, artists and designers to share their passion for philately and receive recognition for their work. The winners of the competition are awarded with prestigious prizes at a gala act that is part of the International Sberatel / Collector Fair in Prague, Czech Republic.

SUBMIT YOUR STAMP FROM THE YEAR 2024 HERE

Special category Architecture on stamps

Prague, known as the „City of a Hundred Spires“, is an architectural jewel where different styles and eras come together.

From the majestic Prague Castle with the Romanesque St. Vitus Basilica and the Gothic Cathedral, through the picturesque streets of the Old Town with its Renaissance and Baroque townhouses, the Romantic Art Nouveau of the time of Alfons Mucha to modern buildings in the style of Functionalism and Cubism, which has its roots in Prague.

Prague’s architecture is a real feast for the eyes and will enchant any lover of history, art and beauty.

That is why the Praga Ars Philatelica competition has a separate category for architecture on stamps. Every year, thousands of stamps are issued all over the world, preserving the appearance of famous buildings from different periods for future generations. And they should be rewarded for it.

Take part and celebrate the beauty of postage stamps →

Questions and Answers

FAQ

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

What stamp issues can be in the competition?

The competition is open to stamps issued from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

When is the deadline for submitting stamps?

The deadline for the submission of stamps is 14 July 2025.

Who can participate in the competition

The competition is open to the postal administrations and to the authors of the stamps themselves, artists, engravers or graphic studios that participated in their creation.

Which stamps can be entered into the competition

The competition is open to stamps that were issued in the year the competition is judging (currently 2024), were actually realised and are in circulation.

What are the fees for entering the competition

There are no fees associated with entering the competition. The purpose of the competition is primarily to popularize the beauty of philately among the general public and to encourage stamp collecting.

In what form can the competition stamps be entered

Stamps can be submitted electronically.

Who organizes the competition

The competition is organized by the International Fair Sberatel / Collector together with the Postal Museum in Prague. The Sberatel / Collector Fair has been held in the Czech Republic since 1998. It is the largest gathering of collectors in Central and Eastern Europe, attended by 230 exhibitors from dozens of countries and over 10,000 visitors.

The Postal Museum Prague was founded at the end of 1918 and houses the greatest treasures of Czech and Czechoslovak philately. In addition, it organizes a number of interesting exhibitions.

When will the announcement take

The award ceremony will take place on 5. September 2025 at the 28th International Sberatel / Collector Fair, which will be held in Prague at the PVA Expo Fairground.
The winners can collect their prizes in person or they will be sent by post.

Jury

The international competition jury is composed of experienced artists, designers and masters of the printing craft.

Postal Administration category

Categories where postal administrations can enter their stamps.

The most beautiful offset stamp
The most beautiful engraved stamp
The most beautiful stamp printed by another technique
The most beautiful engraved sheet
The most interesting design achievement
Innovative stamp
The most beautiful sheet
The most beautiful FDC

Category AUTHOR’S

The category where individual authors or graphic studios can submit their stamps.

The most beautiful stamp
The most beautiful FDC
Most interesting design work

Special category: Architecture on stamps

ABOUT THE CZECH REPUBLIC

You can find it right in the heart of Europe
Borders Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia
Is part of the European Union and the Schengen area, which allows the free movement of people and goods across borders
Was part of Czechoslovakia until 1993
Has over 10 million inhabitants
It is one of the safest countries in the world
The Czech Republic is home to Škoda cars, Pilsner Urquell beer, Becherovka liqueur or the shoe brand Bata

ABOUT PRAGUE

One of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
Features monuments from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Deco periods
Has excellent public transport, a range of top restaurants, romantic cafes and a varied shopping scene
In Prague you could meet Emperor Rudolf II, writer Franz Kafka, painter Alfons Mucha, director Miloš Forman, footballer Pavel Nedvěd and hockey player Jaromír Jágr

ABOUT THE SBERATEL / COLLECTOR FAIR

Founded in 1998
The largest multidisciplinary gathering of collectors of stamps, coins, medals, banknotes, postcards and other collectibles in Europe
Each year hosts over 220 exhibitors from 35 countries, including postal administrations, mints, auction houses and dealers
10,000 visitors from all over the world regularly come to the fair
Women and children are admitted free of charge
You can read the complete history of the event in the book published on its 25^th anniversary

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is often referred to as the „Golden Heart of Europe“ due to its rich history, beautiful architecture and romantic atmosphere.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest continuous castle complex in the world. It covers an area of almost 70,000 m² and its history dates back to the 9th century. The castle includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the traditional coronation and final resting place of Czech kings.
The Old Town Square in the centre of Prague is dominated by the Old Town Hall with one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. The square is also home to Týn Cathedral, an important Gothic building and one of the oldest churches in Prague.
Prague is an excellent place for shopping. Pařížská Street is considered to be the most luxurious shopping street in Prague with many world-class shops. There are also Shopping Malls with dozens of shops in the wider centre. Prague is also known for its beautiful arcades where you can find small fashion and accessories boutiques, bookstores and cafes.
The traditional Czech pub has its own unique atmosphere. Wooden tables and benches, dark wood, old photographs on the walls – all this creates a feeling of comfort and homeliness. Czech beer and dumplings, pork knee, goulash – these are just some of the many specialties you can enjoy in the pub.
Every year, 10,000 visitors from all over the world come to the Sberatel fair. Collectors, dealers and people looking for interesting alternative investments come to Prague.
Over 220 exhibitors from dozens of countries participate in the fair. They offer a wide range of collectibles, from postage stamps, rare coins and banknotes to old postcards and books to small antique goods.
Postal administrations, mints, auction houses and leading dealers from all over the world sell their wares at Sberatel. The fair also hosts various side events such as lectures, workshops and artists‘ autograph sessions.