The Soliloquy of a Postage Stamp #5 : Fouad Kronfol

Liberia 

"My feature this week is an airmail postage stamp from Liberia commemorating UNICEF"

The small west African country of Liberia is the oldest independent nation in the continent, having declared its independence on 26 July 1847. it is also the first African country to sign a basic cooperation agreement with UNICEF on 28 April 1952. As such, it is not surprising that Liberia appears to be the first country in Africa to issue a stamp to commemorate UNICEF.

Here is the attractive airmail stamp showing the original UNICEF logo (child drinking milk) with the Liberian and UN flags and groups of children on both sides. The 5 dollar issue shown is "imperforate" (no perforations on the stamp). It was issued on 27 September 1954 in Monrovia. It is not clear why this date was chosen since it does not relate to a UNICEF anniversary or the signing of the basic agreement.

Do you know how a postage stamp is printed ? There is a six step process of "proofs" in the printing of this UNICEF stamp from Liberia. These proofs are superimposed on each preceding step in the process until the final version is printed (lower right). Note this is the larger format of the stamp measuring 7 x 51/2 cms.

This "miniature sheet" of four of the small format (5 1/2 x 4 ½ cms) was printed in 1,400 copies which were sold with one half of the proceeds going to UNICEF.  Note the inscription on the top stating "the Republic of Liberia aids UNICEF", with another inscription on the bottom indicating,"for all the world's children".  It is interesting that a recipient country contributes to the UNICEF budget in this manner.

Another miniature sheet of four shows the larger format of the stamp which is considered much scarcer. The sheet was distributed to "delegates" of UNICEF at its regional office in Paris, France, then covering all UNICEF activities in Europe, the Middle east and all of Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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