Alexander J. Rüdiger dem Schilling-Briefmarken-Skandal auf der Spur

📯+++ BREAKING NEWS +++📯 WILL THE SCHILLING MAKE A RETURN? The Schilling stamp scandal is entering its next phase: Billions devalued – who will pay the price? What began as a curious isolated incident is developing into a fundamental question about the rule of law, media transparency, and the handling of public trust. Former TV "Money Maker" Alexander J. Rüdiger, with his personal story, is bringing to light an issue that could affect millions: the tacit devaluation of Schilling stamps with an estimated total value of up to €509 million. The trigger: A prohibited advertising contract worth over €1.7 million prompted Rüdiger in early 2025 to publicly question his role as a long-time spokesperson for the Austrian Lotteries. Shortly thereafter, the entrepreneur and collector Josef Bürger presented him with a box of Schilling stamps with a face value of 1.7 million Schillings – along with a challenge: "If you manage to cash these in at the post office, the money is yours." What initially seemed like a symbolic gesture became the catalyst for a debate of legal, political, and social significance. The case was featured on CLUB 3 on krone.tv: The following guests discussed the background and implications under the moderation of renowned journalist and krone.tv talk show host Tanja Pfaffeneder: Josef Bürger – car dealer & stamp collector Peter Stastny – lawyer, political scientist & stamp expert Dr. Robert Schrodis – judge in civil and criminal cases R. Alexander J. Rüdiger – TV presenter, author & affected party The accusation: For years, the Austrian Post actively promoted Schilling stamps as a stable investment – ​​with slogans like: "The Schilling is going – its value is rising." Today, however, these stamps are neither exchanged nor redeemed. Officially, they are considered worthless. There is no legal transition period, and no information campaigns were conducted. The exchange was quietly discontinued, and in many cases, even refused for a fee – despite the advertising promise and without any publicly verifiable legal basis. International comparisons show: In France, stamps from 1849 are still valid. In Belgium, the exchange period runs until 2028. In Italy, old Lira stamps can still be used. In Austria, however, there is silence. The public debate is gaining momentum: On May 15, 2025, the case was presented to a wider public for the first time on the "Krone zu Mittag" news program. A particularly moving video from a contemporary witness documents the story of a 99-year-old collector whose lifelong faith in the postage stamp was devalued by an administrative action—ironically, in connection with an earlier promotional video from the postal service itself. The central questions now are: How could an officially advertised product be effectively devalued by an internal corporate decision? Why was there no outcry in the media, politics, or law? Is it legally and morally acceptable to leave millions of consumers in the dark without information or compensation? The scale: Estimates suggest up to seven billion schillings in unused stamps. This corresponds to a current value of approximately 509 million euros. The affected investors: collectors, families, and heirs. Conclusion: What was once considered a safe investment has been quietly devalued. The scandal surrounding the Schilling postage stamps now serves as a prime example of a deeper question: How does a democratic society handle responsibility, promises, and trust? Contact for inquiries and statements: Ing. Josef Bürger Autohaus Bürger Wienerstraße 89, 2620 Neunkirchen Tel: +43 2635 / 62671 Mobile: +43 664 / 989 23 88 Statement by Alexander J. Rüdiger: "In some ways, I'm like a postage stamp: When I sense injustice, I stick to it—until the target is reached." START THE CHANGE