Latvia First Postage Stamp - Map on Reverse

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This stamp features a stylized sun with wheat ears, symbolizing Latvia's agricultural heritage, and the word 'LATVIJA'. Uniquely, it was printed on the reverse side of surplus German military maps due to material shortages after World War I.

Issued in 1918, this is Latvia's very first postage stamp, marking the establishment of its postal service shortly after declaring independence. Its production on repurposed military maps highlights the challenging economic and political conditions of the newly formed nation.