Latvia, 1918 First Issue, Map of Latvia

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This is the first postage stamp issued by the newly independent Republic of Latvia. The design features a map of the country with the sun rising behind it, symbolizing the dawn of a new nation. It was printed on the back of unfinished German military maps due to a severe paper shortage following World War I.

Issued on December 18, 1918, just one month after Latvia declared its independence from the Russian Empire, this stamp represents the birth of Latvian philately and national sovereignty.