REPUBLIC OF LATVIA 1991-



RATES ON JANUARY 1, 1992

The rates in January and february are the same as December 1991, but 1 January 1992 every country outside Latvia: foreign rate (even Estonia and Lithuania). Since 1 december: rate international letter 1 rouble (airmail 1 rouble, 50 kopecks).



This airmail letter from Riga to Tartu is sent 16.02.92 (the postmark is not so clear, but the arrival postmark is clearly Tartu 25.02.92). So the franking, 7 kopecks + rubber stamp 43 + postage stamp 100, together 150 kopecks is correct.

Here is re-used a Soviet postal stationary with value-stamp transport 1991: so according the Michel Ganszsachen-Katalog Europa Ost 2004/05 this issue is number U 7, issued December 1, 1991.




NEW RATES ON MARCH 1, 1992





Cover, from Riga to Riga, sent June 1992. The old postal stationery (valid unto 30 June) with the rubber stamp: not enough. With the stamps together is it sent with the new inland rate: 100 kopecks (1 rouble).

Here is re-used a Soviet postal stationary with value-stamp transport 1991: so according the Michel Ganszsachen-Katalog Europa Ost 2004/05 this issue is number U 7.

On March 1, 1992, Latvia has raised again the postal rates. The rates 1 March 1992 - 9 August 1992

  • inland letter till 20 gr. the rate was 1 rouble
  • inland postcard: 50 kopecks
  • registered inland letter: 3 roubles
  • rate international letter 3 roubles (airmail 5 roubles)

The postal stationery of the Soviet Union were valid until 30 June 1992. So with the raised postal rates the postal authorities decided to re-use the Soviet postal stationery



The issues on March 1, 1992:

  • U 12: 93 kopecks next 7 kopecks, cover value stamp transport 1991 (Liga-day, 12.4.91)
  • U 13: 95 kopecks next 5 kopecks
  • U 14: 293 kopecks next 7 kopecks, cover value stamp transport 1991 (Liga-day, 12.4.91)
  • U 15: 295 kopecks next 5 kopecks, cover value coat of arms without border (Latvian landscapes, Rocks Erglu, 29.4.90).
  • U 16: 295 kopecks next 5 kopecks, cover value stamp transport 1982 (Birthday,11.07.88))

Postal stationary: 93 kopecks next 7 kopecks, value stamp transport 1991 (Liga-day, 12.4.91), so U 12 accrding the Michel.


The cover is sent from Riga to Riga in July 1992.









293 kopecks next 7 kopecks, cover value stamp transport 1991 (Liga-day, 12.4.91):
so U 14.









The postmark is not clear, but we have the arrival-postmark Tartu: 25-05-92. So this postal stationary is still valid (upto 30 June). Together 300 kopecks: the rate for international letter at this time. Since 1 January 1992 also a letter to Estonia must have the rate for an international letter.






JULY 1992

Changes in July 1992

  • From July 20, 1992, there is a new currency: the Latian rouble=100 Latvian kopecks.
    From March 3, 1993 again new currency: 1 Lat = 100 Santimi (=200 Latvian roubles)
  • The postal stationery of the Soviet Union were valid until 30 June 1992.
  • The stamps of the Soviet Union were valid until 30 June 1992.