Kissi Iron Penny Currency, Based

Long twisted shaft, broad blade at the bottom, and a hole where it flares.

This penny currency on a base is Kissi, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Iron money was made by blacksmiths, and such currency was often used for bride payments and other exchanges as well as for everyday trade. A tall dark rod with a spiral twist near the top ends in a small uneven flat tip. The lower end widens into a flat blade with a notch at one side and a small hole, set into a black stand. It is 3.7 inches wide and 21.7 high.

It has the posture of something that was never in a hurry.