Having never suffered under colonial rule, Liberia has one of the most unique and interesting histories of any country in Africa. First settled in 1822 by former American slaves, the country achieved independence 25 years later and has remained a sovereign state ever since.
Starting in 1860, Liberia has issued its own stamps, many of which are now highly collectible. In fact, if you’re thinking about starting an African collection, Liberia is one of the best places to start. Many notable and attractive issues have been produced over the years. And as general interest in African philately continues to rise, buying rare Liberian stamps is likely to be a good investment over time.
Starting Your Liberian Stamp Collection
Early on, Liberia made a concerted effort to appeal to collectors, employing the services of some of the most respected printing and design firms in Europe and the United States. Liberian stamps from 1892 onward feature striking, bi-colored designs and exceptional engraving. Many stamps focused on the region’s people, wildlife and heritage, with special issues being produced in 1897, 1906, 1909, 1918, 1921 and 1923. Though these early issues command high values at auction, they are a great place to begin building a collection of rare Liberian stamps.
Liberia’s postal system also experimented with different shapes throughout the 30s and 40s, adding to the appeal of issues from this time period. In 1936, the country introduced its first airmail route, producing a collectible set of triangular stamps to mark the occasion. Though financial pressures in the latter half of the 20th century led to a decrease in the frequency of issues explicitly for the collector’s market, there is still much to enjoy in the country’s philately.
Rare Liberian Stamps at Apfelbaum, Inc.
As one of the oldest philatelic auction houses in the U.S., Apfelbaum, Inc. is the best place to shop for Liberian collectors’ stamps online. We host public auctions and buy-it-now sales, and we also maintain a large online store. Looking for something in particular? Contact our office directly for assistance — we may be able to help you find it!