Introduction
The Gold Coast, now modern-day Ghana, has a rich philatelic history that reflects its colonial past and economic development. The first stamps of the Gold Coast were issued in 1875, following the establishment of a postal service in Cape Coast Castle in 1853. Prior to this, British stamps were not officially issued in the colony, although some examples exist with Gold Coast postmarks. These early stamps are highly sought after by collectors, especially due to the rare, bisected usage.
This guide delves into the history of the Gold Coast postal system, its first stamp issues, varieties, and values, providing an in-depth reference for collectors.
Historical Context of the Gold Coast Postal System
The Gold Coast originally consisted of coastal forts owned by the Royal African Company, used for trading with the interior. However, in 1821, after raids by the Ashanti king, the British Government took over, annexing the forts along with some inland areas. The administration was transferred to the Governor of Sierra Leone, but by 1843, the colony was reconstituted under British rule.
In 1874, the Gold Coast became a Crown Colony, including Lagos (which later separated in 1886). Following the final Ashanti War, the entire territory was annexed in 1901.
The first official postal service was established in 1853 at Cape Coast Castle. Prior to 1875, no British stamps were officially issued in the colony, but some were used on ships of the West African Squadron, making these early cancellations particularly rare.
Design and Features
- The first stamps of Gold Coast were issued on July 1, 1875, under British administration.
- These stamps featured the classic profile of Queen Victoria, a common design for many British colonies.
- The first three denominations were:
- 1d blue
- 4d magenta
- 6d orange
These stamps bore the inscription “GOLD COAST” at the top and “POSTAGE” at the bottom. They were produced using typography (letterpress) and embossed for a refined look.
Rarities and Varieties
1d Blue (1875)
- Valued at £650 mint / £120 used.
- Exists in a bisected variety: ½d on cover (1876)—extremely rare and highly valuable.
4d Magenta
- Valued at £550 mint / £160 used.
- A standard issue but still sought after due to its early colonial use.
6d Orange
- Valued at £850 mint / £100 used.
- The rarest among the set.
Watermarks and Perforations
- These stamps were watermarked with Crown CC (Crown and Cursive CA), which was a common watermark used for British colonies.
- The perforation was 12½, making them relatively easy to distinguish.
Collecting Gold Coast Stamps: What to Look For
Key Features for Identification
- Condition – Mint stamps are significantly more valuable than used ones.
- Watermark – Always check for the Crown CC watermark.
- Perforation – Ensure it matches 12½.
- Bisected 1d Stamp – The ½d bisect on cover is incredibly rare and worth a fortune.
- Cancellations – Gold Coast postmarks from the early period are highly collectible.
Market Value
- These early Gold Coast stamps are highly sought after due to their limited print runs.
- Rarer varieties, such as the bisected 1d blue, can fetch thousands in auctions.
- Collectors also seek out unique postmarks and cancellations from this period.
Conclusion
The Gold Coast stamps of 1875 are a cornerstone of West African philately. They mark the first official postage system in the colony, and their rarity makes them a prized addition for collectors. Whether searching for mint condition stamps, bisected rarities, or early postmarks, Gold Coast philately offers a fascinating and rewarding area of study.