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 on December 18, 1918. The design features a map of Latvia with three ears of wheat, symbolizing the nation's agricultural wealth, and three stars above, representing the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The stamp was printed on the blank reverse side of unfinished German military maps.

Issued just one month after Latvia declared its independence from the Russian Empire, this stamp is a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and the beginning of the Latvian postal service.