British American and West African slave prices in pounds sterling 1638-1775
Knowledge regarding the prices paid for slaves during the transatlantic slave trade is quite scarce, however the data that does exist provides some insight into the financial value given to slaves during this period. The study shown here indicates that at certain intervals between 1638 and 1775, the average price paid for slaves in the Thirteen Colonies ranged from 16.5 to 44.08 pounds sterling for slaves from Britain's colonies in the Americas, and between 1.87 and 17.43 pounds for slaves transported from West Africa. It is important to note that the average prices given are from sample sizes of ranging between just one and 29 sales, therefore the numbers may be more reliable in some years than in others.
Despite these limitations, the data does show a clear difference between the prices for slaves who were born in the Americas or accustomed to its climate (known as "seasoned"), compared to those who had travelled from West Africa, as those were often weakened from the journey and susceptible to tropical disease, and therefore deemed less valuable. For example, in the period between 1713-17 (the group with the largest sample size), the average value of unseasoned slaves from West Africa was just 38.5% the value of seasoned slaves.
Despite these limitations, the data does show a clear difference between the prices for slaves who were born in the Americas or accustomed to its climate (known as "seasoned"), compared to those who had travelled from West Africa, as those were often weakened from the journey and susceptible to tropical disease, and therefore deemed less valuable. For example, in the period between 1713-17 (the group with the largest sample size), the average value of unseasoned slaves from West Africa was just 38.5% the value of seasoned slaves.
