Benin - Slavery Abolition - Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa) on the Benin coin. He wrote a wonderful book on his experience being captured for slavery. Also his life of servitude on British ships, entrepreneurial attempts, and eventual life in Great Britain. This series of coins was conceived of by Joseph Lang and presented to the Union of West African States at trial strikes. The Union decided not to have the series struck so Mr. Lang, who's 'JL' initials appear on every coin, had a relatively small number of each struck in order to recover the costs of the design and manufacture. There are Essais, proofs, and BU strikes available. Mr Lang did not reveal to me the mintage numbers of each, perhaps I'll ask him for that information if it is available.
Great Britain abolished the use of slavery for all the members of the West African States in the Year of our Lord, 1807. A special commemorative 2 Pounds coin was struck in 2007 to honor the fruition of that historic event.
Also, in 2007, those seven states authorized the minting (a mere 850 each!) of 27mm silver (0.25 oz. ASW) Essai coins to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of that monumental event.The coins feature the heroes of the Abolition of Slavery movement on one side and the issuing nations' coats of arms on the other. Included is Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, on the Benin coin. William Wilburforce is on the Burkina Faso coin. The seal of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade is on the Ivory Coast coin. Frederick Douglas is pictured on the Mali coin [this coin]. Senegal pictures Francois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture. Togo honors French abolitionist Victor Schoelcher. Because the members of the West African States [7 in 2007] utilize a common currency, they have issued few coins under their own name. In the mean time another, as yet not fully recognized, state has joined the West African States, Guinea-Bissau.
Numista Listing at this: [ link ]