Latvia Map and Coat of Arms

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This stamp features a map of Latvia, marking its first issue as an independent nation. The design, created by Ansis Cīrulis, shows the country's outline with three stars above, symbolizing the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. It is a simple yet powerful declaration of sovereignty printed on the back of unfinished German military maps.

Issued in December 1918, just one month after Latvia declared independence from the Russian Empire, this stamp was a crucial symbol of the new republic's statehood during the Latvian War of Independence.