Coil Currency

Southeastern Nigeria, 19th c.

Copper

4.38” l x 3.63” d (11.13 x 9.22 cm)

3.5 lbs (1.59 kg)

Price: $475

 
 

A fine twisted and coiled example. Currencies of this type, once extensively used throughout southeastern Nigeria, were outlawed by the British in the early 20th century in order to promote a common currency system. Subsequently a good portion of extant currencies were buried and hidden to prevent their confiscation by colonial authorities.