Latvia Coat of Arms Definitive Stamp

Latvia · 1918 · 5 Kapeikas

This stamp features the first national coat of arms of Latvia, depicting a rising sun with three stars above it, representing the historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. It is a definitive issue, printed on the back of unfinished German military maps due to paper shortages following World War I.

Issued in December 1918, this was the very first postage stamp of the newly independent Republic of Latvia, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's assertion of sovereignty after the end of the war.