2021-08-07 Sat

Sierra Leone is a former British colony on the southwest coast of West Africa. Nowadays it is mostly known among collectors for having one of the most prolific stamp-issuing programs in the world. The colony was founded by Great Britain in the late 18th century through the transportation of free Blacks and former slaves from Great Britain and America to Africa.

In 1933, Sierra Leone issued an attractive and colorful engraved set of 13 stamps to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Wilberforce, a Member of Parliament, was guided by his Christian beliefs to successfully lead the campaign to outlaw slavery in Great Britain in 1807 and throughout the empire in 1833.

The attractive stamp designs include a freed slave throwing off his shackles, a map, local scenes, and an African elephant. The stamps in unused, hinged condition denominated 5sh, 10sh, and £1 are valued at USD 160, USD 300, and USD 650 respectively.

Image Courtesy: linns.com