Some of the strangest forms of currency

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by Abramthegreat, May 23, 2022.

  1. Abramthegreat

    Abramthegreat Well-Known Member

    Here are a few interesting forms of currency I found.... If you have any you would like to add, feel free. Enjoy!

    1. Rai Stones ----- Micronesian island of Yap
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    2. Cameroon bottle caps ----- Cameroon
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    3. Mobile phone minutes ----- Various countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Romania

    4. Dolphin Teeth -----The Solomon Islands
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    5. Wooden Bills ----- Germany
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    6. Katanga Crosses ----- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Okapas
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    Last edited: May 23, 2022
  4. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Chameleon ring.
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  5. Abramthegreat

    Abramthegreat Well-Known Member

  6. MIGuy

    MIGuy Supporter! Supporter

    I'd love to have a genuine Katanga Cross - my understanding is they would pour the melted copper into sand molds to make them, I think they are pretty cool. Also, it would be fun to have currency you could bonk a would-be mugger with on the head to make your escape. Here's as close as I get. katanga1.jpg katanga2.jpg
     
  7. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

  8. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Carved whale bone. From North America. 2.5 " long

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    Last edited: May 24, 2022
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  9. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Cassowary Feathers. Center one is 5.5" long.
    20220524_050422.jpg
     
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  10. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Bone Tally Sticks. 2.5" long
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    Last edited: May 24, 2022
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  11. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Tok Money of North Siam. approx 2"
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    Last edited: May 24, 2022
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  12. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Shell Beads from the Solomon Islands.
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  13. Bill in Burl

    Bill in Burl Collector

    What a great, interesting thread! Thanks.
     
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  14. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

  15. Robidoux Pass

    Robidoux Pass Well-Known Member

    I agree. This is indeed an interesting thread. Thanks, @Abramthegreat for initiating it. And @alurid, you have contributed many fascinating additions.
    I've dabbled in this "primitive money" at times. For example, I obtained a Katanga cross when I lived in Africa, as well as the typical beads, cowrie shells, manillas, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't continue with the collection.
     
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  16. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Mother of pearl gaming tokens.
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  17. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    I am quite sure that some of of these thing would be considered Trade Items as opposed to being called Currency which is really just another trade item.

    This one is a favorite due to the edge punching that have made the layers of the shell separate to form rings.
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  18. KBBPLL

    KBBPLL Well-Known Member

    Yap stone money (aka Rai stone) is fascinating. Why the hole?
    stone-money-bank.jpg
    (image stolen from internet)
     
  19. Robidoux Pass

    Robidoux Pass Well-Known Member

    It is my understanding that the stones are round to make them easier to move; i.e., they can be rolled. It may be that the purpose of the hole in the center is to insert a stick, also to facilitate the movement. Thus it becomes akin to a wheel and an axel.
     
  20. KBBPLL

    KBBPLL Well-Known Member

    Even the small ones have holes, so I suppose it became a traditional design. Certainly it's logical that the hole was a means to move them, but once on Yap they rarely moved; ownership was recorded orally and the "money" stayed where it was. There was even one lost at the bottom of the ocean that still changed hands.
     
  21. Col Davidson

    Col Davidson Member

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