Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Long, spiraled and graceful, ending in a broad blade that sweeps up to a peak.

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. Dark, finely twisted bar with a small clubbed end at left. Toward the right it slopes smoothly outward into a wide blade, rising at the tip to a thin point, with a rough, flaky surface. It is 3.5 inches wide and 18.5 high.

An elegant sweep, delivered with real blacksmith's flourish.