Incised Coil Currency

Southeastern Nigeria, 19th c.

Copper

6” l x 3.5” d (15.24 x 8.89 cm)

5.75 lbs (2.61 kg)

Price: $525

 
 

A large and unusual example that has been pleasingly incised. 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.