Phila-Trivia: Latvia's Map Stamps

  

   The story of Latvia's first stamps shows the adaptability and ingenuity of a new nation following the devastation of the First World War. 

   Latvia was invaded repeatedly by Germany and Russia during World War I. Germany’s defeat and the Russian Revolution weakened both countries, thus enabling Latvia to declare independence, which it did on November 18, 1918, one week after World War I ended. The war had caused a severe paper shortage but there was one source of top-quality paper –  military maps left behind by Germany’s Imperial Army. Latvia’s industrious government printed its first stamps on the backs of these maps.

  To save precious paper, stamps were printed in 12 rows of 19 stamps each for a total of 228 stamps per sheet.  On the reverse, each German military map features a section of Latvia, complete with name, scale and map grid position.

   A total of only 11,956 sheets were printed.  Of those, only about 4,900 were perforated.   4,750 sheets were delivered to Latvia’s government in the period between 1918 and 1919.  The shipment included imperforate gummed sheets (Latvia Sc. #1), and perforated gummed sheets (Latvia Sc. #2). After the Latvia Post began operations, the Bolsheviks invaded the capital city of Riga.  An unknown quantity of Latvian map stamps survived the destruction.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum for discussing stamp auctions, and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Latvia 2002 Winter Olympics booklet (Scott #546a)

In 2002, Latvia issued a stamp honoring the Winter Olympics stamp (Scott #546), along with a booklet (Scott #546a). Only 5,000 of the booklet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $15.00 .

The booklet has multiple market appeal among collector of Latvia, Baltic States, and Sports/Olympics. Demand is enhanced for all Baltic States material due to the tendency of collectors to focus on the region in general.


A nation of 2.2 million people, Latvia has diverse industries which include the production of synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles, and timber. The centrally planned system of the Soviet period was replaced with a structure based on free-market principles. Riga, the capital, emerged as a regional financial and commercial center, which initially benefited the country but left it exposed to the worldwide economic tsunami which hit the banking sector in 2008. Until the onset of the global financial crisis, Latvia had the fastest growing economy in Europe. Over the last 5 years, annual GDP growth has been flat, reflecting a 4.6% contraction in 2008 and an 18% disembowelment in 2009. Over the last four years, the economy has begun to recover.

Those interested in becoming part of a community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the Facebook "Stampselectors" group, which currently has over 1,600 members.

Stamp Investment Tip: Latvia 2002 Fish booklet (Scott #556a)

In 2002, Latvia issued a set of two stamps picturing fish (Scott #555-56), along with a booklet (Scott #556a). Only 5,000 of the booklet were issued, and Scott '13 prices it unused at $15.00 .

The booklet has multiple market appeal among collectors of Latvia, Baltic States, and Animal topicals, the most popular thematic category. Furthermore, demand is enhanced for all Baltic States material by the tendency of collectors to focus on the region in general.

A nation of 2.2 million people, Latvia has diverse industries which include the production of synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles, and timber. The centrally planned system of the Soviet period was replaced with a structure based on free-market principles. Riga, the capital, emerged as a regional financial and commercial center, which initially benefited the country but left it exposed to the worldwide economic tsunami which hit the banking sector in 2008. Until the onset of the global financial crisis, Latvia had the fastest growing economy in Europe. Over the last 5 years, the GDP has contracted by an average of about 1.5% annually, reflecting a 4.6% contraction in 2008 and an 18% disembowelment in 2009. Over the last two years, the economy has begun to recover.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, as is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Latvia 1933 Pioneer Air Issue (Scott #CB21-24)

In 1933, issued a set of Airmail Semi-postals picturing early modes of flight (Scott #CB21-4,CB21a-24c). The set was issued in both perforated and imperforate form, in quantities of 7,420 and 6,210 respectively.

Both the perf. and imperforate versions of the set represent good prospects for growth, as the post-Soviet economies of the Baltic States continue to flourish. The set is of interest to both airmail and Zeppelin collectors, as the 30 +130 santimu value pictures the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin hovering over Riga.