Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Long, thin and easily bundled. That was the idea.

Kissi smiths in Sierra Leone forged this iron penny in the 20th century, when such rods still circulated as money across the region, counted in trade and in marriage exchanges. Ten inches long, tightly spiraled from end to end. One end has an angled, flattened crossbar. The other, a small compact paddle with a rough, lumpy surface. The iron is dark brown, almost black in places, with the slight bends and irregularities of hand forging.

Hold it. You will want a few more.