Latvia 1918 First Issue, Map of Latvia

Latvia · 1918 · 5 kapeikas

This stamp features a map of Latvia, symbolizing its newly declared independence. The design is simple, with the country's outline prominently displayed, and the denomination '5 KAP' printed at the bottom. It was printed on the back of unfinished German military maps, a common practice due to paper shortages following World War I.

Issued on December 18, 1918, this was the very first postage stamp of the newly independent Republic of Latvia, which had declared its sovereignty just one month earlier. These stamps were a crucial step in establishing a national postal service and asserting statehood.