Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Gold Coast"

Mr. Ian Anderson

It was every philatelist’s Dream at the meeting of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on Friday evening, 16^th September!

Our guest, Mr. Ian Anderson of the Scottish Philatelic Society, gave his display of "Gold Coast" – and, after reminding members that this had originally been a British Colony (on the west coast of Africa – now known as Ghana) and used British currency – he began with pre-stamp letters – generally sent by missionaries to families at home - and the postage fee was paid at point of departure. On 1^st July 1875 the first postage stamp was printed bearing Queen Victoria’s head profile. Many examples of these through her reign were shown.

A display of "bi-sected" stamps was given – this arose because the stamps were provided by the Crown Agents in Britain and were dependent on ships carrying the order from Gold Coast and later ships bringing the supply. If supplies ran out, then existing stamps were cut in half and used! 

A surprising display of stamps of higher values of 5/-, 10/- and 20/- were explained as being generally used by Officialdom and not on letters.

Many examples of the stamps and the control blocks were displayed – and also many forgeries, flaws and duty plate variations. Definitive stamps issued during King Edward VII’s reign were viewed as were the many stamps issued for King George V. Through the years of his reign, his head profile was often changed.

In 1928, a new design – incorporating the Christiansborg Castle – was issued and these remained in use through many years – with commemorative stamps issued for King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935 – and in 1937 for the Coronation of King George VI. 1946 saw the issue for Victory after the war – and in 1952 the Accession of Queen Elizabeth. In 1957, Gold Coast became independent and was renamed Ghana.

There was a wonderful display of stamps issued during the Ashanti Wars of 1897 – 1900 – and this was followed by a most interesting display of Victorian postmarks from all over the country.

LPS member, Gordon Shepherd, remarked that this display had been immaculate and entertaining, and led members in giving warm thanks to Ian Anderson for giving such a great display.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 30^th September, 2016, at 7:30pm when members will give displays on the theme "L.P.S.50" (Lanarkshire Philatelic Society is 50 years old this year!)

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.