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Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija, or Latvian Post Philately, is the official postal service of Latvia that specializes in the collection, production, and distribution of postage stamps. It is a popular service among stamp collectors and enthusiasts, as well as a source of national pride for the country. In this article, we will take a closer look at the general overview of Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija, its history, and some of its most important and well-known stamps and designs.
General Overview of Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija
Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija was established in 1918, shortly after Latvia gained its independence from the Russian Empire. It is a division of Latvijas Pasts, the national postal service of Latvia, and is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums.
The service offers a wide range of stamps, from traditional definitive stamps to commemorative stamps that celebrate important events, people, and cultural aspects of Latvia. It also produces special stamps for international events and collaborations with other postal services around the world.
History of Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija
The history of Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija is closely intertwined with the history of Latvia itself. In the early years of its independence, the country faced economic and political challenges, which also affected the production and distribution of postage stamps. However, despite these difficulties, Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija managed to release its first stamps in 1918, featuring the country’s coat of arms and the Latvian flag.
Throughout the years, Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija has released numerous stamps that reflect the country’s history, culture, and achievements. During the Soviet occupation, the service continued to produce stamps, but they were heavily censored and often featured propaganda themes. After Latvia regained its independence in 1991, Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija was able to freely express the country’s identity and values through its stamps.
Notable Stamps and Designs Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija
One of the most famous and valuable stamps produced by Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija is the 1933 Air Mail stamp, also known as the «Zeppelin» stamp. It features a Zeppelin airship flying over the Riga skyline and is highly sought after by collectors. Another notable stamp is the 1991 «Baltic Way» stamp, which commemorates the peaceful protest that took place in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to demand independence from the Soviet Union.
In recent years, Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija has also released stamps that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage, such as the 2018 «Latvian Folk Costumes» stamp series and the 2020 «Latvian National Cuisine» stamps. These stamps not only showcase the country’s traditions and customs but also promote them to a wider audience.
Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija is not just a postal service, but also a cultural institution that plays an important role in preserving and promoting Latvia’s identity. Its stamps are not only collectible items but also pieces of art that reflect the country’s history, culture, and achievements. With its rich history and diverse range of stamps, Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija continues to be a source of pride for Latvia and a beloved service for stamp collectors around the world.
Link to Latvijas Pasts Filatēlija website: https://www.pasts.lv/en/philately
