Kissi Penny

Throughout history many different objects have been used to facilitate trade for goods and to measure wealth. Throughout Africa's past, many objects have served as money. Iron was common in African societies, and refining, forging, and decorating iron increased its value. These long, thick iron wires called Kissi pennies were traded throughout Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. With the exception of Guinea, Kissi pennies were still in use in the 1970s. With ends flattened into wing-like shapes, Kissi pennies were usually bundled and twisted together to create higher values. If a penny was broken, it could not circulate until repaired by a blacksmith.