Estonia 'Flower' Definitive Stamp

Estonia · 1918 · 5 kopecks

This is the first postage stamp issued by the newly independent Republic of Estonia. The design, known as the 'Flower' or 'Blossom' issue, features a simple yet elegant floral pattern with the denomination '5' in each corner. The stamp is imperforate and was printed on the blank reverse side of unfinished German military maps.

Issued in November 1918, this stamp marks Estonia's declaration of independence following the end of World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire. The use of German map paper reflects the scarcity of resources in the nascent republic.