Kissi Iron Penny Currency

A row of iron rods, all the same and none alike. That is how a Kissi collection is best kept.

This one is about twenty inches of Sierra Leone, 20th century. For generations such pennies served as the local currency, in trade and in bridewealth. It widens at one end to a sharp, triangular crossbar, then slims along an evenly hammered shaft to a small, flattened knob. The skin is rough and rust-brown, darker where wear has smoothed it.

Hang it beside its cousins. Let them discuss exchange rates.