Kissi Iron Penny Currency

A thin twisted rod with a knob at one end and a flat fin at the other.

This iron penny currency is Kissi, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Among the Kissi of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, twisted iron rods known as Kissi pennies were used as money in trade, bridewealth and other exchanges. Slender, dark, rust-brown shaft with a slight twist along most of its length. One end swells into a small irregular lump, and the opposite end spreads into a thin upturned flare with a pointed edge. It is 2.5 inches wide and 17 high.

Skinny, spiral and strangely elegant for something so rough.