Lot 186

African Kissi Iron Pennies, Long Rod Currency Pieces

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Lot 186
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African Kissi Iron Pennies, Long Rod Currency Pieces
African Kissi Iron Pennies, Long Rod Currency Pieces
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African Kissi Iron Pennies, Long Rod Currency Pieces

Estimate: $400 - $600

Starting Bid: $175

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

West Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, Kissi peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A group of 13 iron Kissi pennies, each forged with a twisted shaft, a flattened blade-like terminal known as the kodo or foot, and a T-shaped projection at the opposite end called the nling or ear. The surfaces show dense iron patination from age and use. More than currency, these iron forms served as symbolic links to ancestors. Among the Kissi, each example was believed to embody a spiritual presence, and if broken, the spirit - and thus the value - was considered lost. Size of longest: 26.5" L x 4.25" W (67.3 cm x 10.8 cm)

Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998

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Item # 193732

  • Condition: Heavy patina as shown. Losses and chips to ends, with bending and folding.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000