Latvia First Issue, Sun Design

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This is the first postage stamp issued by the newly independent Republic of Latvia. The design features a stylized sun with three ears of wheat, symbolizing agriculture and the nation's bright future. The stamp was printed on the blank reverse side 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 marks the beginning of the nation's postal history and sovereignty.