Drachmas, Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money

Empires and Colonialism in the 19th Century

Colonial Africa

In the 19th century, Africa became a patchwork of European colonies. Although colonies like Liberia and Sierra Leone were founded by American and British abolitionists as homelands for freed slaves, colonies were mainly set up to exploit the natural resources of the African continent. The Boer War (1899-1902), pitted Britain against Boer colonists for the possession of the interior of South Africa. Less well known is the Ethiopian War (1895-1896) in which the native ruler, Menelik II (1889-1913), defeated an Italian army. Ethiopia was the only African state to remain free of direct colonial control.

Liberian copper cent (1833) produced in the United States by the American Colonization Society (ACS).

Liberian Republic copper 2 cents (1847) depicting the head of Liberty. In 1847, Liberia claimed its independence from the ACS and became a free republic.

Sierra Leone copper cent (1791) produced in Britain for the Sierra Leone Company, depicting a lion.

British silver trade ackey (1818) of George III (1760-1820) depicting the coat of arms of the Gold Coast (now Ghana). This coin was produced specifically for trade with the Gold Coast.

South African silver 5 shillings (1892) of president Paul Kruger (1883-1900) depicting the coat-of-arms of the South African Republic.

South African gold pond (1902) from Pilgrim's Rest. British desire to control South African gold mines was a major cause of the Boer War.

1925.104.2

German East African silver rupie (1892) of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1888-1918) with the coat of arms of the colony.

Ethiopian copper gersh (1888-1894) of Menelik II, emperor of Ethiopia, produced in Paris.

1917.216.5107