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The Liberia Philatelic Bureau is the official postal service of the Republic of Liberia, responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps and other philatelic products. Founded in 1860, the bureau has a rich history and has produced some of the most iconic and sought-after stamps in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the general overview of the Liberia Philatelic Bureau, its history, and some of its most important and well-known stamps and designs.
General Overview of the Liberia Philatelic Bureau
The Liberia Philatelic Bureau is a division of the Liberian Postal Corporation, which is responsible for the country’s postal services. The bureau is located in the capital city of Monrovia and is headed by a Postmaster General. Its main function is to design, produce, and distribute postage stamps and other philatelic products, such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums.
The bureau also serves as a platform for promoting the rich history and culture of Liberia through its stamp designs. It collaborates with local artists and designers to create unique and meaningful stamps that showcase the country’s heritage and achievements.
History of the Liberia Philatelic Bureau
The history of the Liberia Philatelic Bureau dates back to 1860 when the first stamps of Liberia were issued. These stamps were produced by the American Colonization Society, which was responsible for the settlement of freed slaves in Liberia. The stamps featured the image of a sailing ship and were used to prepay postage for letters sent from Liberia to the United States.
In 1866, the Liberian government took over the production of stamps and established the Liberia Philatelic Bureau. The bureau continued to issue stamps with various designs, including the country’s coat of arms, national symbols, and important figures in Liberian history.
One of the most significant moments in the bureau’s history was in 1947 when it issued a set of stamps to commemorate the centennial of Liberia’s independence. These stamps, known as the «Liberia Centenary Issue,» featured the country’s first president, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, and other important figures in Liberian history.
Notable Stamps and Designs from Liberia Philatelic Bureau
The Liberia Philatelic Bureau has produced numerous stamps over the years, but some have gained worldwide recognition and are highly sought after by collectors. One of the most famous stamps is the «Black Americana» series, issued in 1892. These stamps featured images of African Americans in various professions, such as farming, carpentry, and teaching, and were the first stamps in the world to depict people of African descent.
Another notable stamp is the «Liberia Airmail Issue» of 1921, which was the first airmail stamp issued in Africa. It featured a biplane flying over the map of Liberia and was used to prepay postage for airmail letters sent within the country.
In recent years, the Liberia Philatelic Bureau has continued to produce stamps with unique and eye-catching designs. Some of the most popular themes include wildlife, sports, and historical events. The bureau also collaborates with other postal services around the world to issue joint stamps, promoting international relations and cultural exchange.
The Liberia Philatelic Bureau has a long and fascinating history, and its stamps have become highly collectible items for philatelists around the world. With its commitment to promoting the country’s culture and heritage through stamp designs, the bureau continues to play an important role in the postal service of Liberia.
To learn more about the bureau and its products, visit their official website at https://mopt.gov.lr/directory/post-office/.
