-40%

Kissi penny

$ 2.64

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Condition: original; no two pennies are exactly alike
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Certification: Uncertified
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Country of Circulation: Liberia
  • Year: late 1800s to mid 1900s
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Liberia
  • Composition: Iron

    Description

    According to Wikipedia "
    Kissi pennies were made by smiths in the form of long rods, with a "T" on one end
    , and a sort of blade, not unlike a hoe on the other end
    . They ranged in length from about 6 (15 cm) to as long as 16 inches (40 cm). A score of oranges could be bought for two, or a bunch of bananas."
    Production began in 1880s.
    When I visited Northwest Liberia, the kissi penny was no longer in use inasmuch as government coins were in circulation. However, many villagers still had some and were glad to exchange them for official Liberian money or U.S. money.