Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Short and sturdy, with a thick knob and a generous triangular blade.

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. A compact rod with a bulbous head at left and a tight twist in the narrow shaft. The right side spreads abruptly into a heavy, wedge-shaped blade with a pointed upward corner and dark, pitted surface. It is 3.5 inches wide and 15.75 high.

Short, heavy, and perfectly happy to look a little brutal.