Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Nearly a foot of iron, easily carried, easily counted.

Kissi smiths in Sierra Leone forged pennies like this in the 20th century, and they served as currency in parts of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, in trade and in bride-wealth payments. The thin rod is twisted along its length, a hallmark of the form. One end is flattened into a narrow T-shaped crossbar, its tip slightly curled. The other spreads into an irregular, squarish paddle. Dark brown, with lighter rubbed highlights along the twists.

Eleven and three quarter inches. A small fortune, in its day, and a good deal handsomer than a ledger.