Latvia postage stamps year 1918 Unused MLH set
The very first postage stamps issued by the newly independent Republic of Latvia in 1918 are known as the “Sun” issue or “Map” stamps and are famous for their unique paper source.
Here are the key details about the 1918 Latvian stamps:
🇱🇻 Latvia’s First Stamp Issue (The “Map” Stamps)
- Issue Date: December 18, 1918
- Context: Latvia had proclaimed its independence on November 18, 1918, shortly after the end of World War I. Due to severe paper shortages, the new government was forced to improvise.
- Paper Source: The stamps were printed on the back of unused German military staff maps left behind by the Imperial German Army. The map details are often visible on the back of the stamps, making them highly collectible and historically significant.
- Designer: The stamps were designed by the notable Latvian graphic artist, Ansis Cīrulis.
- Denomination and Color: Only one value was issued in 1918.
- 5 Kapeikas (5K) in carmine red (a dull reddish color).
- Design Motif: The design features a stylized version of the Latvian coat of arms:
- A Rising Sun symbolizing the new statehood.
- Three ears of grain (or wheat) and three stars, representing the three historic regions of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
- The name “LATVIJA” is inscribed across the top.
- Varieties: This first issue can be found in two main forms:
- Imperforate (no perforations)
- Perforated (usually Perforation 11 1/2)
The 5 Kapeikas was the only value issued in 1918. Further values and printings on different, more common paper (like ruled paper or thin pelure paper) followed in 1919 as the postal service expanded.
