Latvia 1919 Imperforate Map Stamp, 5 Kapeikas

Latvia · 1919 · 5 Kapeikas

This stamp features a map of Latvia, marking its first issue as an independent nation. The design includes the denomination '5 KAP.' at the top and the country name 'LATWIJA' at the bottom, with three stars above the map representing the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The back of the stamp is printed with a portion of a German military map of the area.

Issued in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence, these stamps were printed on the backs of unfinished German military maps due to a severe paper shortage. This improvisation makes them a fascinating artifact of Latvia's struggle for sovereignty after World War I.