Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Dainty twisting along the shaft, then a sudden sharp-winged flare at the end.

This iron penny currency is Kissi, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Forms of currency that are not coins, such as rods, rings, beads and cloth, were used in many parts of Africa and in other regions of the world. Slim rust-colored bar showing a clean spiral through its middle, with a small, rough-edged knob at left. The right end spreads into a tall triangular wing with a slightly curled tip. It is 3 inches wide and 19.25 high.

A slim figure with an eye-catching hat at one end.