Ngbaka Mbili or Spear Head Currency, Based

A broad iron blade with a tiny knob on top and two curved spurs at the base, like a shield on a stick.

This mbili, or spear head currency, based, is Ngbaka, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is forged iron. Across Central Africa, forged iron in standardized shapes served as currency, often for bridewealth rather than everyday purchases. The flat, leaf-shaped blade rises to a pointed tip finished with a small knob. At the base, two curved barbs flare out to either side above a narrow tang. The iron is pitted and rusted. It is 18 inches high and 5.75 wide.

Money that would be very hard to lose behind a sofa.