2018-01-09 Tue

Freed slaves from the British Empire, the US along with Africans discharged from the British armed forces took shelter in Sierra Leone. Those who arrived first had to face the trauma of disease and warfare. After that, the Sierra Leone Company took control of the country, and finally gave it to the UK in 1807.

A series of coins were commissioned by Matthew Boulton and James Watt’s Soho Mint in Birmingham, England, before the company took control over the country.

A Proof example of the “1791” 100-cent coin was auctioned by Morton & Eden on December 7th and 8th in London for £18,000. Only 40 such coins were struck between 1793 and 1799. The coin was earlier owned by abolitionist Granville Sharp. It later became a part of a bigger collection from the Archbishop Sharp family collection.

The common obverse design on these coins feature s a crouching lion. The reverse design represents a handshake between a white man and a black man. The coin was described to be Choice Mint state, lightly toned, very rare, by the auction house.