Kissi Penny Currency Fragment

Broken, and better for it. A fragment tells you where the iron gave.

Part of a Kissi penny, forged in Sierra Leone in the 20th century. Such twisted rods with flattened ends were currency, exchanged in bundles for marriage payments and other dealings. This section, a little over nine inches, keeps its flared, fin-like terminal. From there a sturdy twisted shaft tapers away to a broken, slightly split tip. The rust is heavy, warm orange-brown, and the twist is still easy to read.

Half a penny. Still spends well in a conversation.