Kissi Iron Penny Currency, Based

Slim as a reed, with a tiny ragged flourish held up high.

This penny currency on a base is Kissi, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Mounting a long, slender rod on a base lets it stand upright so its twist and shape can be seen clearly. A tall, thin rod with a faintly knotted, hammered surface rises from a small dark rectangular base. A little flared, uneven tip crowns the top. The metal is a dusty brown with a slight sheen. It is 2 inches wide, 2 deep and 18.5 high.

Proof that a small flourish can carry a long way.