Latvia First Issue, Map Stamp, Imperforate Full Sheet

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This is Latvia's first postage stamp, issued shortly after its declaration of independence. The design features the denomination '5 KAP.' printed over a section of a German military map of the region, a practical measure due to the scarcity of resources. This full, imperforate sheet of 228 stamps is notable for showing the complete underlying map on its reverse.

Issued in December 1918, just weeks after Latvia declared independence from the Russian Empire, these stamps were printed on the back of unfinished German military maps, reflecting the turbulent and resource-strapped conditions of the new nation's birth.