Kissi Iron Penny Currency

A subtly spiraled rod, leaning from a rounded nub to a sharp, winged end.

This iron penny currency is Kissi, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Iron was valuable in West Africa for making tools and weapons, so objects of iron could stand in for goods of known worth in many kinds of payment. Long, rusted rod with a gentle twist near the nub and a straighter, flatter stretch toward the other end. The far end widens into a flared blade with an upturned corner, with uneven, pitted surfaces throughout. It is 3.25 inches wide and 21.5 high.

Plain shape, sharp opinions, and absolutely no frills.