Latvia Coat of Arms (First Definitive Issue)

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This stamp features the first version of the Latvian coat of arms, depicting a rising sun with three stars representing the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. It was the first postage stamp issued by the newly independent Republic of Latvia. The design is simple, printed on the back of unfinished German military maps due to paper shortages after World War I.

Issued in December 1918, just one month after Latvia declared its independence from the Russian Empire, this stamp symbolizes the birth of the nation and its struggle for sovereignty during the Latvian War of Independence.