South African Bronze Currency

A curve of bronze, ribbed like a half-buried shell.

This bronze currency piece comes from South Africa and dates to the 19th century. Metal bars, rings and curved ingots were commonly used as currency and stores of value in parts of Africa before coins became widespread. This one is a thick crescent with a smooth inner curve and three raised ridges running along its outer face. The bronze has darkened to chocolate brown, with traces of green in the grooves.

About four inches high and seven across. Pick it up and understand weight as value.