Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Seams and small bumps from the forge, and no attempt to hide them.

Twisted iron rods such as this were once a working currency in Sierra Leone. This Kissi example dates to the 20th century, and rods like it were used in trade and in social payments, including bride wealth. About ten and a half inches. One end carries a narrow vertical crossbar. The other opens into a broad, ragged paddle with reddish rust. The shaft between is twisted tightly. The iron is a varied brown, rough and honest.

Honest is the word. Currency that has never lied to anyone.